Encouraging a client to make decisions
Encouraging a client to take control of their lives
A process that builds self-esteem
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 Carers Role?
Involve the client in conversations relating to:
Their CARE and LIFESTYLES
Giving opportunity for reply and response
Effective communication
Historical Views (Smale et al.(1993))
Historically people who work in health and care were viewed as the experts
Experts who assess clients needs
With this old fashioned view the power lies with health and social care staff
The clients 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
