Introduction to Duty of Care in Health, Social Care or Children’s and Young People’s Settings
- Submitted by: priyag
- Views: 1226
- Category: Other
- Date Submitted: 01/10/2015 11:23 AM
- Pages: 2
- Report this Essay
1.1) Define the term ‘duty of care.’ Duty of care is a moral or legal commitment to ensure the safety or well-being of others.
1.2) Describe how the duty of care affects own work role. It is important to carry out my own duties that are given in my job description, and to be competent in my job. This includes making sure my knowledge is regularly updated and I can provide care standards according to policies put in place in the work setting. Duty of care makes me feel like I need to be more observant, it is also my duty to report any concerns by completing relevant forms, such as accident forms, and using the whistleblowing policy if necessary.
2.1) Describe dilemmas that may arise between the duty of care and an individual’s rights. Sometimes individuals may want to do something which could be a risk to their Health and safety. As a carer you have a duty of care to that person and you must do all that you can to keep them safe but you also have to respect the individual’s rights and choices, so you have a dilemma. It could be that the individual no longer wishes to use her walking frame, but his care plan states that he needs it to move from place to place and you are to ensure you encourage its use. In this scenario you could carry out a risk assessment to ensure that it is managed as safely as possible. You would need to explain the risks involved to the individual and make sure they understand. You could come to a compromise, to use a stick for a while instead, to see how they managed, then monitor the situation. All this should be documented including any risk assessment carried out. If the individual still insists on walking unaided you should get them to sign to say they are aware of the risks involved. Another scenario could be that an individual refuses their medication. Remind them of why they take the medication and its benefits and again advise them of the risks involved in not taking their medication. If they still refuse ensure this is noted...
1.2) Describe how the duty of care affects own work role. It is important to carry out my own duties that are given in my job description, and to be competent in my job. This includes making sure my knowledge is regularly updated and I can provide care standards according to policies put in place in the work setting. Duty of care makes me feel like I need to be more observant, it is also my duty to report any concerns by completing relevant forms, such as accident forms, and using the whistleblowing policy if necessary.
2.1) Describe dilemmas that may arise between the duty of care and an individual’s rights. Sometimes individuals may want to do something which could be a risk to their Health and safety. As a carer you have a duty of care to that person and you must do all that you can to keep them safe but you also have to respect the individual’s rights and choices, so you have a dilemma. It could be that the individual no longer wishes to use her walking frame, but his care plan states that he needs it to move from place to place and you are to ensure you encourage its use. In this scenario you could carry out a risk assessment to ensure that it is managed as safely as possible. You would need to explain the risks involved to the individual and make sure they understand. You could come to a compromise, to use a stick for a while instead, to see how they managed, then monitor the situation. All this should be documented including any risk assessment carried out. If the individual still insists on walking unaided you should get them to sign to say they are aware of the risks involved. Another scenario could be that an individual refuses their medication. Remind them of why they take the medication and its benefits and again advise them of the risks involved in not taking their medication. If they still refuse ensure this is noted...