Looking at the language / terminology we use

Creating a ‘feel-good factor’ Self-image (how you see yourself) Self-esteem (the way you feel about yourself) The way we listen, and The way we speak to people Think of someone you have worked with who you respected. How did this person communicate with you? 24

‘Respect’ is fundamental to ‘dignity’ How do we maintain respect when we live in a society that isn’t that good at it? We may be able to do it best by changing the language we use Can you identify a list if words that should be ‘excluded’ from our vocabulary?

Using the CoP to embed Dignity Have Care Practitioners ‘internalised’ the Code of Practice – how much is it a part of the way we work every day? Do people using services know their rights and understand how the CoP supports their rights? How do we ‘absorb’, retain and use our values and beliefs every day?

5 Principles - Value and involve the workforce, treat each other with dignity and we will all offer better services ….. Challenge thoughtless use of language and ways of working that promote our ‘superiority’ Acknowledge people’s rights to be angry or upset and encourage debate, discussion and suggestions for change Promote and ‘build in’ frameworks that support ‘risk taking’ and enable the dignity of making mistakes Encourage an environment where anyone feels comfortable to ask questions and say they don’t understand, or don’t feel comfortable with something that is happening Look for new solutions, new partnerships and new ways of working Your respect gives me my dignity

So, what does this tell us? We all need to ‘digest’ information and interpret it in our own way before we really understand it We often need ‘permission’ to question and have the confidence to say we don’t understand Poor practice lurks deeper than we think and it is often accepted as ‘custom and practice’ Careful use of language isn’t about ‘political correctness’, poor use of language can be a powerful influence over our thoughts and actions. I will give them more freedom of choice and let them have a say in their care needs