What this Looks like in Practice:

• The setting ensures individuals they serve are treated with dignity and respect at all times. This includes respecting individuals’ likes and dislikes, talking with individuals in a way that makes them feel respected and heard and assisting individuals with ADLs in a compassionate manner that preserves their dignity.
• During mealtimes, staff do not require people to wear bibs or use disposable cutlery, plates and cups.
• People choose hairstyles and clothes that meet their personal preferences, fit and are clean and appropriate for the time of day and weather.
• Staff address people in the manner in which the person would like to be addressed. People are addressed by their preferred name, not “hon,” “sweetie” or a similar name.
• Staff do not curse or use profanity and converse with people in a respectful and appropriate manner.
• Staff do not discuss a person who is present like they are not there or within earshot of other persons living in or visiting the settings. Staff include the person in conversation.
• Staff converse respectfully with people while providing care and assistance, regardless of the person’s ability to vocalize a response.
• Staff use written, verbal and non-verbal communication that demonstrates the values of respect and dignity.
• When in the community, staff model respectful interactions and communications for others.
• The setting does not allow any restriction to this right.