Health and Social Care Training Empowerment HANDOUT
Empowerment – what is it?
Encouraging a client to make decisions Encouraging a client to take control of their lives A process that builds selfesteem A process that builds confidence in a clients ability to make decisions Gives power to the client
Empowerment – what is it? The sharing of information Enabling a client to make informed choices Using effective communication Ensuring that clients and service users are empowered
What is the Carer’s Role? Involve the client in conversations relating to: Their CARE and LIFESTYLES Giving opportunity for reply and response Effective communication
Empowerment Handout
Health and Social Care Training Empowerment HANDOUT
Historical Views (Smale et al.(1993)) Historically people who work in health and care were viewed as ‘the experts’ ‘Experts’ who assess client’s needs With this old fashioned view the power lies with health and social care staff The client’s role is seen as a passive one Today the caring professions are not seen as the ‘experts’ in everything The new principle ‘people are and always will be the expert on themselves’
Is this basic principle right?
In principle yes In practice? Could be problematic Many clients receive social care because they are not able to make their own decisions or do not have the confidence to make their own decisions
The Ethos behind Empowerment If a carer builds an understanding and has empathy with a client they can work together to solve problems and come to decisions. Meeting Client Needs through Empowerment: Interacting with relatives and friends (as well as a client) Gathering information/understanding viewpoints
Empowerment Handout