This week the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) is celebrating Co-Production Week from 2nd to 6th July 2018. It is a great way to recognise good practice in social care which helps people make their own decisions and turns the doctor/patient relationship on its head. Here we reflect on how that journey links in with philosophy and Human Rights.
“Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains”
Long before Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) of 1948, philosophers were becoming increasingly influential in the notion of human rights. Ideas of direct participation and human rights underpin the ethos behind co-production. These ideas can be traced back, most inspiringly to philosopher Jean Jacque Rousseau. His principles, back in 1762 on co-production and shifting the balance of power from the medical professional to the patient are interesting.
Information is key
Arguably, in order for people to effectively participate in their care and their care plan, they must have information in appropriate formats, to enable them to make decisions. This is a more co-creative concept of care which can empower people. We have found an approach to care planning called narrative ethics. This would involve people agreeing with physicians how to plan their care rather than just ‘following doctor’s orders’. This can also be described as narrative competence whereby decisions on a person’s medical journey are based on their own story of their disability instead of the traditional medical models. This is fantastically shown in co-production and person-centred care and supported by the disabled people's movement.
The Development of the Disabled People’s Movement
In American Universities in the 1960s, students established Centres for Independent Living (CILs). CILs supported key principles of participation, involvement, empowerment, control and life choices. Propelled by the ideals from CILs, a group of UK based people with disabilities and activists, formed the Union of the Physically Impaired Against Segregation (UPIAS). Their concepts included full access to their environment, peer counselling and advocacy.
From the Latin ‘nihil de nobis sine nobis’ the movement popularised the slogan ‘nothing about us without us’. The slogan was significant in linking the social model with notions of autonomy, self-determination and participation.
The concept of 'nothing about us without us' has been codified in law through the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
(something we will blog on soon!).
What seems like an age ago now I first got interested in working in the social care sector working with adults with learning difficulties in the land-based industry. Right from the start I could see the benefits this sector has mainly, obviously to the individuals using a service – improving knowledge, confidence and having a purpose to get up for. After many courses/qualifications and throughout the decades I pursued this sector, again working with adults and young people in different settings including residential and supported living, not only in the land-based sector but supporting people in their communities.
Fast track to the present day and Manor Community. I have been working for Manor for roughly seven years, with a slight hiatus after four years, believe me the grass isn’t always greener. Today my passion for helping people with learning difficulties and mental health issues remains the same, albeit there have been some knocks and falls but after self-reflection and kind words of encouragement you get up and carry on.
Presently at Manor I have progressed through the ranks as a senior. I was thrilled to get the role as it shows that I’m valued within the company. No two days of my working week are the same, I could be completing audits or assisting colleagues with their work one day, to supporting individuals for appointments and social scenarios or pulling my hair out trying to get through bureaucratic (external agencies) red tape ensuring individuals are treated as equals. Occasionally I go home frustrated, but more often I go home satisfied I have made a positive difference to someone’s day.
Continuing our feedback series, we are delighted to shine a well-deserved spotlight on the incredible care workers who make Manor a truly special place. At Manor, we believe that every member of our team plays a vital role in creating a supportive and nurturing environment for our residents. Our care workers are at the heart of this effort, working tirelessly day and night with unwavering dedication, compassion, and skill. They go beyond just providing care—they build relationships, offer comfort, and ensure that each resident feels valued, respected, and safe. Their efforts create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where families can feel at ease, knowing their loved ones are in the best possible hands.
At Manor Care Home, we understand that trust is the foundation of a strong relationship with the families of our residents. We strive every day to ensure that your loved ones are not just cared for, but cherished as part of our family.
We know how important it is for families to feel reassured that their loved ones are in a safe, nurturing environment. That's why we go above and beyond to create a community where respect, comfort, and care are at the heart of everything we do.
Leaving a loved one in someone else’s care can be an incredibly difficult and emotional decision. It's natural to worry about whether their needs will be met with the attention, compassion, and professionalism they deserve. At Manor Community, we understand these concerns, which is why we provide the highest standard of care for every resident.
As we reflect on the last year, we want to take a moment to share some of the heartwarming feedback we’ve received from our residents and their families. These kind words and beautiful pictures inspire us to continue our mission of offering a safe, loving, and supportive environment where families can have peace of mind.
Recognitions and Accreditation
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