Relevant to the Organisation’s service users, RESPECT is defined as the recognition of the service user’s individuality, their values, beliefs, personal relationships and their property. This Policy summarises the philosophies and arrangements within the Organisation that ensure that these outcomes are achieved:

1. Staff will at all times treat the service user as a unique individual, with unique needs, and as a “whole person” (i.e. not as an “illness”). Service users are always asked how they would like to be addressed and this is noted in the service user’s Care Plan Records.

2. Service users will always be treated as an equal, with courtesy, and without discrimination of any kind.

3. Care staff will ensure that the Domiciliary Care Service is person-centred and not task-oriented. Sufficient time will be allocated to ensure that the care service is delivered at a pace that suits the service user.

4. While delivering the care, staff allow time to listen to the service user and to engage them in conversation if the service user is responsive to this. Care staff respect the past skills and experiences of the service user.

5. The service user remains at the focus of the care planning, and are kept involved in the care service that they receive. Care staff allow time for the service user to communicate his / her choices and preferences and respect the right of the service user to retain involvement in the day-to-day management of their own household and finances.

6. While at the service user’s home care staff will always respect the service user’s personal space and the circumstances under which the service user may require privacy. Service users are not unduly disturbed or interrupted and care staff knock before entering their room.

7. Care staff will respect the fact that the service user always has the right to refuse admission of care staff to their home. In such instances the Domiciliary Care Supervisor must always be informed to assess the need for appropriate action.