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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 Carer’s 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 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