Unit name: Equality and inclusion in care settings
Learning outcome: 2. Be able to work in an inclusive way
Assessment criteria: 2.2 Show interaction with individuals that respects their beliefs, culture, values and preferences
Respecting individuals’ beliefs, culture, values and preferences is a great way to build trust. When you respect someone’s beliefs it shows that you respect them as human beings. You will need to demonstrate that you are able to do this to achieve this assessment criterion.
In order to be respectful towards an individual, you must first understand their culture and the backgrounds they come from. This can be obtained by talking with them or their families. It should also be documented in their care plan.
It is always important to show empathy when interacting with people because it will help develop deep connections between the two of you. A genuine interest in their background and experiences will assist with understanding and will help you to provide support that is personalised towards the individual and puts them at the centre of their care.
For example, when providing care services to an individual, you may show respectful interaction by providing them with choices of food and drink that fit in with their cultural and religious beliefs. Or, you may support an individual to decorate their room in a way that is personal to them.
This is important to do so that the individual can feel comfortable and at ease with their surroundings. It will also show them that you care about not only their physical wellbeing but also emotional needs too.