Badges no more - please

Hi Lorraine

I couldn't agree more! Since I've joined this site conversations have centred around badges and I really don't think I can take much more of it.

Just to qualify this: I don't have a problem with badges or indeed any sort of promotional material (stickers, posters, pens, uniforms, etc.) per se and believe that they can be very useful to drive campaigns, make campaigners feel more empowered (I hate this word!) and so on. What I am objecting to is the very narrow focus on badges to promote dignity in care and the extent of conversation about it.

Why can't we move on to discussing the issues that really matter? A badge alone is not going to fundamentally restructure a workplace, shape practice and eradicate a whole culture of undignified treatment (whether that's due to time constraints and excessive work loads or staff attitudes). So why make such a fuss about them rather than looking at what we could do to address the issues on a deeper level?

Personally, I would rather find out about people's other ideas for promoting dignity, especially in what way patients are being involved in ensuring dignified treatment.

It's all well and good for us 'professionals' to get involved but I don't understand why there isn't more emphasis on joint working with service users as one of the basic tenants of dignity is self-determination. I guess what I'm trying to say is this: While people are running around with their dignity badges, who is asking the service users what they want?

I'm sure there are schemes or campaigns out there that have been developed jointly with service users and it'll be really interesting to hear how that has been done, what the challenges are, etc...

Best wishes,
Valeska

Hi all;
I am new to being a dignity champion, but i have to agree with Lorraine who suggests that the badge debate should come to an end.

It is not the badge which underpins the values of a dignity champion; it is the actions and demeanor of anyone involved with supporting individuals to keep dignity at the forefront of support and care.

Warmest Regards,
Stacey
Support Worker

I agree.

I put on a badge when i put on my uniform - the example starts then - in all respects dignity and all. I don't wear a "I washed my hands" medal either. But if you want, you can watch me wash my hands.

So if somebody doesn't wear a badge are they allowed to treat people with no respect, and allow people no dignity. hahaha.

Naa thanks. I work with pride, and people can see me do it if they like, I don't need badges to weigh me down.

Just got me wondering... I have worked in Dementia Care for quite some time and there have always been debates about a 'uniform policy' as opposed to 'mufty' (i.e. one's own clothes) - my experience is that a uniform is a useful visual identifier that can help the Person one is caring for and/or relatives/visitors to know who to approach - as of course, is an I.D. badge.

Also re: the I.D. badge, it can be used at times as both an 'icebreaker' and an aid in assessing re: a Person with a cognitive impairment - I could go on here, but let's get back to the point I'm trying to make - bear with me folks, I ramble on, but there IS a point.

A badge then - I'd happily wear one - it's not just about saying "this is what I do - look at me!" it's something that can be a topic for conversation and discussion... and therefore would help raise awareness - look at those rubber wristbands that were 'all the rage' a few years back - I still have my Alzheimer's Society one - the amount of people who asked what it was and then went on to chat about dementia issues -

Well, all I'm saying - is a badge/t-shirt etc. can have it's uses.

:)

Neil.

My experience is that the badges, like the Challenge cards, seem to act as a permission giver for some people to speak up about dignity issues and people do wear them with pride

Well I got in touch via the email contact on this site and am VERY pleased that the team sent a badge out to me which I will wear proudly on my uniform.

SO thank you once again for that - very much appreciated.

Here's to the first person who asks "what's that badge for?"

:)

Neil.

is there a Dignity Champion badge? I WANT ONE! LOL

It wont change the way I already work, but seeing it may encourage other to....................

Nickyx

Although I agree that wearing badges doesn't mean that you're practising dignity in care, I've found that unless the information provided to fellow staff is encouraged and adequately provided by the company you work for, then they dismiss dignity in care as an inconvenience , The badge on your uniform stands as a reminder to other staff that dignity in care is one of the most vital changes that has come about in recent years, dismissing the old wives-tale "I've done this for years and I know what I'm doing is right". If I had to wear a sandwich board and flashing beacon on my head whilst at work I would do it, this campaign is being glossed over in corporate care and needs to be put on a more legislative level, mandatory training, independent assessors, and pushed forward. That is the role of a dignity champion , advise , inform and implement.
If wearing a badge helps you do this then wear it with pride and let all around you know that changes are needed

By the way, I havn't got a badge can I have one too.