Applying ‘dignity of risk’ principles to the provision of care for older Australians, is essential in the delivery of person centred care. Defined by Ibrahim & Davis 2013, ‘Dignity of Risk’ refers to the concept of affording a person the right (or dignity) to take reasonable risks and that the impeding of this right can suffocate personal growth, self-esteem and the overall quality of life. The challenge for providers is to balance ‘duty of care’ while honouring the rights of the care recipient to self-determination, including to take on risk. Effective communication and negotiation skills with care recipients ensures both the provider and their employees are also protected, while enabling the older person to continue to enjoy activities.  With workplace policies, procedures and defensible documentation, in place, older people receiving care, can continue to live meaningful lives based on their individual choices, whether receiving care at home, in the community or in a residential facility. This training session is designed to inform how dignity of risk influences quality of life for the care recipient and how to engage in negotiation in order that all parties are protected in the pursuit of individual choice and freedom.  

Learning Outcomes:

• Understanding the definitions of dignity, risk, and dignity of risk
• Implementing Standard One and the expectations on service providers
• Knowing the difference between dignity of risk and duty of care
• Identify frameworks for mitigating risk and supporting choice and control for older people
• Defining reasonable risk
• Learning what makes a choice an informed choice
• Case Study – driving with dementia, is it possible?
• How to manage conflict and support win / win outcomes
• Using a risk management framework and documenting choices

Target Audience: Managers, supervisors, team leaders, front line staff and volunteers.

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