Dignity of Risk
Published: 11 April 2024
Published: 11 April 2024
‘Dignity of risk’ refers to the concept of affording a person the right (or dignity) to take reasonable risks and acknowledging that impeding this right can suffocate personal growth, self-esteem and the overall quality of life (Ibrahim & Davis 2013).
In other words, dignity of risk means that people should be supported to live the life they choose, even if there are risks involved. This is a crucial component of person-centred care (ACQSC 2022).
Since the first use of the phrase, care settings have come a long way in encouraging independence and decision-making.
At times, however, care workers are still faced with the difficult job of balancing the dignity of risk of their clients with their duty of care (Keast 2016).
Concerns are often raised about the disconnect between theory and practice, for instance, how risks can be taken when care workers have responsibilities and could face the brunt of complaints or even compliance action.
Standard 1: The Person - Outcome 1.3: Choice, independence and quality of life (Action 1.3.5) of the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards requires aged care providers to support older people to live the best life they can. This includes allowing them to take positive risks that increase their autonomy and quality of life (ACQSC 2024a).
Additionally, Standard 7: The Residential Community - Outcome 7.1: Daily living (Action 7.1.1) states that older people should be supported and enabled to do things they want to do. Older people’s choices should be respected and their dignity of risk upheld, particularly in relation to activities of daily living (ACQSC 2024b).
The key to achieving dignity of risk is reframing how care providers think about risk (Hermant 2015).
Instead of thinking about how to avoid all risks, we should think about supporting someone to do what they want safely (Keast 2016).
A care provider’s role could include ensuring a client’s decision is an informed one by offering them all relevant information and then maintaining support, whatever the outcome.
A person’s autonomy and right to make decisions for themselves should be paramount in all settings. However, your responsibilities and duty of care should not be compromised when striving to uphold these dignities.
Keep in mind the following:
(Keast 2016; Woolford 2017)
Question 1 of 3
Which one of the following is NOT an example of a reasonable risk that you might allow someone in your care to take?