‘Dignity challenge’ raised at care event (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

‘Dignity challenge’ raised at care event

7:00am Monday 18th February 2013 in News

Hundreds of people attended a friendly and fun event to promote the rights of people living in care in the Bradford district.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Dale Smith, was among those at the Dignity In Care Day, organised by the Bradnet charity, at the Carlisle Business Centre, Carlisle Road, Manningham, Bradford, on Saturday.

The event, that was open to everyone, promoted a ten-point “Dignity challenge”, giving people in care “rights, privacy, respect, choice and support”.

Reem Hamid, Bradnet communications officer, said up to 400 people were expected to attend the event.

Miss Hamid said: “Care is for everyone of all ages, including children with learning disabilities who can find it difficult to communicate.”

She praised the Telegraph & Argus With Respect campaign, which is aimed at winning more dignity for elderly people, especially those in care.

Miss Hamid said: “The T&A has a role. Whenever there is a story pointing out what is wrong, there is someone there to help. If abused people have seen that others are experiencing what they have experienced, they will realise they are not alone and maybe come forward.”

The Lord Mayor told the T&A: “I’m delighted to be here. It’s all about promoting equality and dignity for disabled people and that is always close to my heart.”

Tariq Ahmed, service manager of Bradnet’s outreach and advocacy team, said finding the right care was “not about putting people in boxes”, but ensuring individuals had their housing, transport and school needs properly met.

Rukhsana Sankriwala, Bradnet’s care co-ordinator for independent living services, said an exciting new project was Rose Cottage, a house the charity had acquired next to its base in Bradford Lane, Laisterdyke.

Bradnet was asking people how they thought the property could best be used.

The Dignity Challenge:

• Have a zero tolerance of all forms of abuse
• Treat each person as an individual by offering a personalised service
• Listen and support people to express their needs and wants
• Ensure people feel able to complain without fear of retribution
• Assist people to maintain confidence and a positive self esteem
• Support people with the same respect you would want for yourself or a member of your family
• Enable people to maintain the maximum possible level of independence, choice and control
• Respect people’s rights to privacy
• Engage with family members and carers as care partners
• Act to alleviate people’s loneliness and isolation