Values of Care

Question 1

What are values of care?

Answer 1

The values of care are a set of principles or guidelines which care settings and the individuals working in these settings should follow. Applying these values ensures that individuals in health, social care and child care environments receive appropriate care, do not experience discriminatory attitudes, and have their diversity valued and their rights supported

Question 2

What are the three values care that apply to health and social care services?

Answer 2

• Promoting equality and diversity
• Promoting individual rights and beliefs
• Maintaining confidentiality

Question 3

How can the promotion of equality and diversity be applied in health and social care settings?

Answer 3

Equality:
- Staff at using non-discriminatory language; if a patient or another nurse/colleague uses discriminatory language, it should be challenged
- Ensuring there is access for everyone (wheelchair ramps, hearing loops, information leaflets provided in a range of languages, etc.)
- Having and following an equal opportunities policy (e.g. when hiring new care staff)

Diversity:
- Offering choice, e.g. choice of different meals to meet dietary requirements in hospital
- Residents in a care home being given activities and outings to take part in

Question 4

How can the promotion of individual rights and beliefs be applied in health and social care settings?

Answer 4

Rights:
- Female staff from the team to meet a cultural requirement, e.g. female doctor for examinations
- A midwife discussing with a pregnant mother about different birth options (at home or in the hospital)
- Having a safeguarding policy and checking that residents are being cared for and are not neglected or abused

Beliefs:
- Cultural and religious dietary needs met, e.g. Menus with options such as Halal and Kosher and providing meals at different times for patients fasting during Eid
- Having a prayer room which caters to different faiths
- Celebrating different religious festivals such as Eid, Hanukkah, etc

Question 5

How can maintaining confidentiality be applied in health and social care settings?

Answer 5

• Providing information on a ‘need-to-know basis’ - i.e. only sharing information about a patient’s condition with other medical staff who are directly responsible for their care
• Written records of patients in the hospital or care home kept in securely locked cabinets so they cannot be accessed or password protected files
• Ensuring that staff are aware they should not discuss patients/service users and their needs outside of the care setting

Question 6

Why is it important that care values are followed health and social care settings?

Answer 6

• It means that patients/service users feel valued and respected
• Ensures their rights (to choice, consultation, freedom of beliefs, etc.) are met
• It is a legal requirement to ensure their rights are followed (e.g. Equality Act, Human Rights Act, Data Protection Act)
• Increases their trust in the care workers to provide effective care
• Makes sure that the individuals’ needs are met
• Makes them feel comfortable and valued within the care environment
• Builds positive relationships with the individuals as they feel their needs are being valued