ORG18 CQC Key Question: CARING | Dignity, Choice and Independence
Caring sensory practice is visible in how people are spoken with, involved and supported to retain choice and independence.
Five things to consider
Speak to the person
Do not routinely direct communication to a companion or worker when the person can participate.
Allow appropriate time
Sensory and communication needs may mean information takes longer to access or process.
Protect choice
Make options accessible before assuming somebody cannot decide.
Support independence
Offer the least intrusive help that enables the person to do as much as possible.
Respect preferences
Individual communication and support preferences should guide practice.
Turning this into practical action
✓ Ask before helping or taking over a task.
✓ Make choices accessible in a format the person can use.
✓ Record how the person prefers support to be offered.
✓ Observe whether everyday staff practice reflects those preferences.
What this can look like in practice
A worker describes meal choices directly to a person in an accessible way rather than asking a relative to choose on their behalf simply because the person has sight loss.
Question for your organisation
Would the person describe your sensory support as something done with them rather than to them?
Important boundary
This resource applies sensory practice to CQC’s Caring key question and should be read alongside current CQC guidance relevant to the service.
Want to take this further?
Caring practice protects dignity by making participation, choice and independence possible. If this resource has highlighted gaps in your organisation’s sensory practice, Sensory Visionaries can help, from reviewing what you currently have in place to providing a structured approach through the Sensory Compliance System.