Inclusion and discrimination in adult social care settings

KNOW HOW TO WORK IN AN INCLUSIVE WAY PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (PC)
QUESTION
List key legislation and codes of practice relating to diversity, equality, inclusion and discrimination in adult social care settings
ANSWER
The Equality Act 2010;
The Disability Discrimination Act 2005;
The Equal Pay Act 1970;
The Sex Discrimination Act 1975 (amended 1982, 1999)
The Race Relations Act 1976
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
Human Rights Act 1998
Employment Act 2002
Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation Regulations 2003)
Employment Equality (Age) 2006
Gender Recognition Act 2004
Civil Partnership Act 2004
Disability Equality Duty 2006
The Work and Families Act 2006
The Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006
The Gender Equality Duty 2007
QUESTION
Describe how to interact with individuals in an inclusive way
ANSWER
A few ways you can interact with an individual in an inclusive way could be by allowing them to be fully involved in their daily life, allowing them to make their decisions about their own care needs. You should take a genuine interest in the individual and be respectful towards them. You should try to be open to a person’s needs, beliefs wishes, culture and views. Don’t be judgmental and assume you know the individual.
QUESTION
Describe ways in which discrimination may be challenged in adult social care settings
ANSWER
Do not accept any form of discrimination.
Ensure you record and report all incidents of discrimination that occurs.
Provide a code of practice or policy that explains the discriminatory practices that must not occur.
KNOW HOW TO ACCESS INFORMATION, ADVICE AND SUPPORT ABOUT DIVERSITY, EQUALITY, INCLUSION AND DISCRIMINATION PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (PC)
QUESTION
Identify sources of information, advice and support about diversity, equality, inclusion and discrimination
ANSWER
Advice and information about diversity, equality, inclusion and discrimination can always be found in the policies and procedures of any care home that you might work in, as well as the individual care plans for the residents. For a more diverse and personal set of information and advice, a senior member of staff may be consulted, as well as the Equality and Human Rights Commission which was created to challenge discrimination and promote equality and human rights
QUESTION
Describe how and when to access information, advice and support about diversity, equality, inclusion and discrimination.
ANSWER
If you believe or suspect that someone is a victim of discrimination, then it should be reported immediately to your superiors for support and advice. Same goes for when the carer is the victim. If you detect discrimination in the home but you are unsure of how to tackle it, seek advice from a senior member of staff, especially when solutions are not readily available in care plans or policies and procedures. This is especially if you have heard about any discrimination but have not witnessed it.
UNDERSTAND PERSON-CENTRED APPROACHES FOR CARE AND SUPPORT PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (PC)
QUESTION
Define person-centred values
ANSWER
This means providing care that is focused on the individual. It demonstrates to the individual that you want to care for and support them. This is to ensure that an individual is at the centre of care planning and support, while also upholding and promoting individuality, choices, dignity, privacy, rights respect, independence and partnership.
QUESTION
Explain why it is important to work in a way that embeds person-centred values
ANSWER
It is important we work in this way in order to promote individuality. This is to allow individuals to make informed decisions and choices, as well as understand the consequences as well as possible risks of such decisions and choices that may well relate to their own health wellbeing. We must do this within the appreciation of rights within the care value base.
UNDERSTAND HOW TO IMPLEMENT A PERSON-CENTRED APPROACH IN AN ADULT SOCIAL CARE SETTING PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (PC)
QUESTION
Describe how to find out the history, preferences, wishes and needs of an individual
ANSWER
We could find out such information relating to an individual by working in a way that puts the individual at the centre of any planning and support. We can do this by communicating with them to find out about their history, preferences and wishes. It is important that we appear and work in a non-judgemental way in order to eliminate any prejudices and/or personal feelings so as not to discriminate in any way against the individual.
QUESTION
Describe how to take into account the history, preferences, wishes and needs of an individual when planning care and support
ANSWER
When planning individual support, it is necessary to document and record day-to-day requirements of the individual’s preferences for care and support. We can do this by addressing individual needs and preferences within a care plan, as well as individual support plans. Having a holistic approach to meeting the needs and preferences of each individual is also a key skill.
QUESTION
Explain how using an individual’s care plan contributes to working in a person-centred way
ANSWER
We are able to work in a person-centred way with the contribution of using an individual’s care plan by consulting the individuals, ensuring needs are met, and they maintain empowerment by doing so. We can do this by documenting and recording individual needs, attending to any details of treatment and individualised provisions as set out in care plans. Implementing non-discriminatory practice and applying a person-centred approach while doing so.
UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF ESTABLISHING CONSENT WHEN PROVIDING CARE OR SUPPORT PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (PC)
QUESTION
Define the term “consent”
ANSWER
Consent is giving permission to do something. In health and social care settings it usually means that the individual gives permission to take part in an activity or to accept some kind of care or treatment.
QUESTION
Explain the importance of gaining consent when providing care or support
ANSWER
It is important to gain consent so that the person will feel comfortable and happy about the activity. The client is also much more likely to cooperate if they have given their consent. Without consent, the client might become distressed and upset, and this could provide a dangerous situation which could lead them to harm themselves or others. On the other hand, lack of consent could be construed as abuse.
QUESTION
Describe how to establish consent for an activity or action
ANSWER
Consent can be in different forms. This includes verbal consent, which should involve the individual. Language used must be simple and understood by the client. Understanding should be confirmed by repeating the question, taking disabilities like blindness and deafness into account.
Consent can also be written. The client must also show a clear understanding of what they are signing for. The written language must also be as short and simple as possible.
Consent via representative or advocate. In this case, a family member or any other person who is accepted to be in a position to act in the best interests of the client can give or withhold consent on the client’s behalf.
QUESTION
Explain what steps to take if consent cannot be readily established
ANSWER
Discontinue with the task. Ask the client why they withheld their consent. Find out if the issue can be solved straight away, otherwise, report to your supervisor or manager immediately.
UNDERSTAND HOW TO ENCOURAGE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (PC)
QUESTION
Define what is meant by active participation
ANSWER
Active participation is an approach that enables individuals to be included in their care and have a greater say in how they live their life in ways that matter to them. It means empowering and encouraging each individual to actively participate in everyday life events, such as activities and relationships, while also maintaining as much independence as possible.
QUESTION
Describe how active participation benefits an individual
ANSWER
Active participation promotes physical benefits such as increased independence and self-confidence, as well as autonomy and well-being. Psychologically, it gives the individual a good sense of purpose.
QUESTION
Describe ways of reducing barriers to active participation
ANSWER
Barriers can be removed by promoting encouraging the individual to actively participate in his own care plans and life; by including them in the activities that concern them, and by helping to achieve positive outcomes from such participation. We can also create opportunities and build their confidence.
QUESTION
Describe ways of encouraging active participation
ANSWER
Additional staff training and overcoming communication barriers will also help to reduce the barriers. It is also important to engage the individual, using the appropriate means of communication or communication aids. Support can also be rendered by enabling and supporting the client’s access to community resources and facilities; perhaps by way of design of suitable events which would include their family and friends.
UNDERSTAND HOE TO SUPPORT AN INDIVIDUAL TO MAKE CHOICES PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (PC)
QUESTION
Identify ways of supporting an individual to make informed choices.
ANSWER
The care giver should be non-judgemental when communicating. The clients should also be empowered and encouraged to make their choices, which must be respected. The clients should also be encouraged to question or challenge decisions made on their behalf if they are not comfortable with such choices.
QUESTION
Explain why risk-taking can be part of an individual’s choices
ANSWER
It is important that individuals are aware of the risks and/or hazards as well as potential hazards that may be involved when making decisions and/or choices. We can do this by discussions, providing information and using risk assessment strategies.
QUESTION
Explain how agreed risk assessment processes are used to support the right to make choices
ANSWER
A risk assessment is a process made up of identifying and evaluating a risk and its possible consequences, we do this by identifying the risk involved when partaking in any activity. We then decide if the risk is worth taking, we evaluate and record our findings as well as review. These can be decisions that can be used to support or make informed lifestyle choices.
QUESTION
Explain why a worker’s personal views should not influence an individual’s choices
ANSWER
The personal views and opinions of workers are not facts. Therefore, they can be discriminatory against the clients’ choices, and so, prevent the empowerment of the clients and also hinder them from developing confidence.
QUESTION
Describe how to support an individual to question or challenge decisions concerning them that are made by others
ANSWER
It is important to encourage questions through discussions, and being prepared to listen. Ensuring each individual is aware of policies and procedures as well as complaints procedures. Awareness of advocates may be available, and the options of second opinions. It is also important that they are aware of their individual rights.
UNDERSTAND HOW TO PROMOTE AN INDIVIDUAL’S WELL-BEING PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (PC)
QUESTION
Explain how individual identity and self esteem are linked with well-being
ANSWER
i. Self-identity is how we recognise an individual’s potential and own personal qualities.
ii. Self-esteem is how people value themselves.
iii. Well-being is the general mental and physical health of an individual, and these needs being met on physical, emotional, social and intellectual basis.
iv. The links between the two can fragment personal identity. This can include effects of possible discrimination, abuse, lack of access to services, and therefore, reduces levels of confidence and self-esteem, affecting emotional health.
QUESTION
Describe attitudes and approaches that are likely to promote an individual’s well-being.
ANSWER
It is important that we treat each person as an individual. This makes the social care worker aware of the individual’s feelings, while also upholding the importance of privacy in order to maintain dignity as well as respect for spiritual, cultural and religious beliefs of the individual. We must work in partnership with other organisations as well as our own to set, and enable the achievement of realistic goals. There is also the need to encourage the empowerment for the individuals so that they can gain self-esteem and confidence. Active listening will also encourage and develop independence and assertiveness.
QUESTION
Identify ways to contribute to an environment that promotes well-being
ANSWER
We can do that by encouraging inclusion within a social environment to promote the well-being of individuals, personal attitudes and involvement in activities. The individual should also develop special awareness for their own space, surrounding and belongings.
UNDERSTAND WHY COMMUNICATION IS IMPORTANT IN ADULT SOCIAL CARE SETTINGS PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (PC)
QUESTION
Identify different reasons why people communicate
ANSWER
People communicate to express needs, to share ideas and information, to reassure, express feelings, socialise, ask questions, share experiences, give instructions, share opinions, give encouragement.
QUESTION
Explain how effective communication affects all aspects of working in adult social care settings
ANSWER
Effective communication affects all aspects of working in adult social care settings as it builds up team work and creates an easier environment to work in. It delivers a better understanding of situations and helps to everyone on “the same page” and everyone has the same understanding.
QUESTION
Explain why it is important to observe an individual’s reactions when communicating with them
ANSWER
It is important to observe an individual’s reactions when communicating with them as it helps give a better understanding of what they are trying to express in the situation. Their reaction may show positive or negative reactions to what is being said or done that helps gauge their needs and whether any changes are needed.