Dignity & Respect Audit - Care Homes

Q1 | Unanswered

Is there a current Dignity & Respect / Person-Centred Care policy that covers privacy, consent, choice, independence, and equality?

Q2 | Unanswered

Do leaders actively promote a culture of dignity and respect (visible values, role modelling, zero tolerance of disrespect)?

Q3 | Unanswered

Are dignity and respect monitored through audits, walkarounds, observations, and resident/family feedback with action plans?

Q4 | Unanswered

Are staff trained in dignity, consent, MCA principles, and human rights-based care, with refreshers as needed?

Q5 | Unanswered

Are there clear escalation routes for dignity concerns (whistleblowing, safeguarding, complaints), and do staff understand them?

Q6 | Unanswered

Are complaints relating to dignity and respect analysed for themes and service improvement actions?

Q7 | Unanswered

Do staff consistently knock and wait before entering residents’ rooms, and announce themselves appropriately?

Q8 | Unanswered

Are doors/curtains closed during personal care, toileting, continence care, and dressing to protect privacy?

Q9 | Unanswered

Are residents covered appropriately during care (e.g., towels/blankets) to avoid unnecessary exposure?

Q10 | Unanswered

Are personal care tasks carried out discreetly (continence products handled privately, no public discussion of intimate care)?

Q11 | Unanswered

Are call bells answered in a way that protects privacy (not loudly announcing personal needs in communal areas)?

Q12 | Unanswered

Are residents supported to make private phone calls and receive visitors privately if they wish?

Q13 | Unanswered

Are residents supported to access private spaces for sensitive discussions (health, finances, family matters)?

Q14 | Unanswered

Is information about residents kept confidential (no care notes left unattended, screens locked, private conversations held appropriately)?

Q15 | Unanswered

Are staff mindful of discussing residents’ personal information only on a need-to-know basis and away from public areas?

Q16 | Unanswered

Are CCTV, door sensors, or monitoring devices used in a way that respects privacy, with consent/authorisation and clear governance?

Q17 | Unanswered

Do staff seek consent before providing care and explain what they are doing in a way the resident can understand?

Q18 | Unanswered

Is consent sought for everyday choices as well as clinical/personal interventions (washing, medication, moving & handling, photos)?

Q19 | Unanswered

Are capacity assessments completed where there is doubt about a resident’s ability to consent to specific decisions?

Q20 | Unanswered

Where residents lack capacity, are best-interests decisions documented and reviewed, involving family/representatives where appropriate?

Q21 | Unanswered

Is the least restrictive option considered and evidenced when making decisions for residents who lack capacity?

Q22 | Unanswered

Are residents supported to refuse care, with respectful re-approach plans and escalation routes when health risks increase?

Q23 | Unanswered

Is consent obtained and recorded for sharing information with family/third parties, with clarity on what can be shared?

Q24 | Unanswered

Are consent processes in place for intimate care, and are residents offered choice of staff gender where possible?

Q25 | Unanswered

Is consent addressed for use of assistive technology (sensor mats, tracking devices), and is any DoLS/LPS consideration documented?

Q26 | Unanswered

Are residents supported to make choices about end-of-life care, treatment escalation, and advance care planning where appropriate?

Q27 | Unanswered

Do residents have choice about wake-up and bedtime routines, rather than fixed schedules?

Q28 | Unanswered

Do residents have choice about clothing, appearance, grooming, and personal style (hair, shaving, makeup, cultural dress)?

Q29 | Unanswered

Do residents have choice over meals and drinks, including timing, portion size, and where they eat (room/dining area) where possible?

Q30 | Unanswered

Are residents offered meaningful choices throughout the day (activities, social time, quiet time, outdoor access)?

Q31 | Unanswered

Are residents supported to maintain independence (doing tasks themselves) rather than staff doing everything for speed?

Q32 | Unanswered

Are mobility aids, glasses, hearing aids, dentures, and call bells kept within reach to support independence and dignity?

Q33 | Unanswered

Are residents supported to manage personal finances and belongings (or supported appropriately with safeguards if they cannot)?

Q34 | Unanswered

Are residents supported to access community life and maintain relationships (visits, outings, faith groups, hobbies)?

Q35 | Unanswered

Do staff avoid institutional practices (e.g., lining residents up, calling out names loudly, rigid bathing schedules)?

Q36 | Unanswered

Are residents supported to personalise their rooms and environment, and is this encouraged by the service?

Q37 | Unanswered

Do staff address residents by their preferred name/title and communicate respectfully at all times?

Q38 | Unanswered

Do staff avoid infantilising language (e.g., ‘dear’, ‘sweetie’) unless the resident has expressed a preference for it?

Q39 | Unanswered

Do staff speak to residents directly (not over them or about them) and involve them in discussions about their care?

Q40 | Unanswered

Do staff use appropriate communication support (interpreters, picture prompts, hearing support) where needed?

Q41 | Unanswered

Are residents given time to express themselves without being rushed or spoken over?

Q42 | Unanswered

Are residents treated with equal respect regardless of cognitive impairment, behaviour, disability, or continence needs?

Q43 | Unanswered

Are residents supported in a trauma-informed way where relevant (predictability, choice, avoiding triggers)?

Q44 | Unanswered

Are residents’ cultural, religious, and identity needs respected in daily care (diet, worship, clothing, festivals)?

Q45 | Unanswered

Are LGBTQ+ residents supported to express identity safely and without discrimination, with staff awareness and respect?

Q46 | Unanswered

Are reasonable adjustments made for residents with disabilities to access privacy, choice, and independence?

Q47 | Unanswered

Are residents protected from discriminatory language or behaviour from staff, other residents, or visitors, with clear action taken?

Q48 | Unanswered

Are residents supported with continence care in a way that preserves dignity and emphasises normality and respect?

Q49 | Unanswered

Does the environment support privacy (locks where appropriate, private areas, screening, adequate bathroom facilities)?

Q50 | Unanswered

Are signage and room labels respectful and non-stigmatising (e.g., not labelling rooms by diagnosis)?

Q51 | Unanswered

Are staff offices and care documentation areas arranged to reduce the risk of confidential information being overheard?

Q52 | Unanswered

Are residents able to securely store personal belongings and valuables, with access arrangements that respect autonomy?

Q53 | Unanswered

Are residents and relatives routinely asked about dignity, respect, and involvement, and is feedback acted upon?

Q54 | Unanswered

Are dignity-related complaints investigated with clear outcomes, apologies where needed, and service improvements documented?

Q55 | Unanswered

Are safeguarding referrals made where dignity breaches amount to neglect, abuse, or unlawful restriction?

Q56 | Unanswered

Do staff understand whistleblowing and feel safe raising concerns about poor practice without fear of reprisal?

Q57 | Unanswered

During observation, do staff consistently protect privacy (knock, curtains/doors, covering, respectful language) across shifts?

Q58 | Unanswered

Can staff describe how they obtain consent and what they do when a resident refuses care?

Q59 | Unanswered

Can care plans evidence resident preferences and choices (routines, meals, activities, personal care) and show they are followed?

Q60 | Unanswered

Can residents/families give examples of being listened to and having choices respected (or identify gaps)?