‘Daring to care’: the dignity challenge

Sir Michael Parkinson, writing about his experience as a Dignity Ambassador, identified why he had become involved to change attitudes towards ‘that person in a bed’, ‘that person in that corner’, ‘that decrepit soul’. He commented that no legislation can achieve this, but a publicity campaign can “encourage the belief that people are worth nurturing and caring for, and can help to change the way we perceive older people in our society”. Sir Michael tells his stories, both good and bad, of his experiences touring the country, adding to the many available resources published as part of the Dignity in Care Campaign.1 The author explored some of the current resources available for healthcare professionals in a previous article, published in The Clinical Services Journal,2 and this article will further highlight some ideas for nurses and others to use in their quest to improve quality in care for the elderly.

Ten point dignity challenge

The dignity challenge cites the following ten points which focus on providing quality services that respect people’s dignity. The Campaign website helpfully provides us with a card which can be downloaded.3