Principles of Care Essay: Policies, Rights & Practice Analysis

Principles of Care Essay: Policies, Rights & Practice Analysis

Produce an essay of 2250 words which will explore the following:

Using the case study, write an essay that explores the theory and knowledge of principles of care:

  • Describe and explain at least THREE of the principles of care and how they are implemented in health and social care practice (LO1).
  • Give an overview of how the principles of care affect the rights of vulnerable people AND how the principles of care may affect professional practice (LO3).
  • Discuss the impact on health and social care practice of (LO2):
    o Policy,
    o Legislation,
    o Regulation,
    o And codes of conduct.

In order to address the above, ensure that you make use of examples discussed in class or researched examples to substantiate and justify your answers.

**Please note- the LO’s do not have to be addressed in order.

Assessment 1 Case Study: Anita Patel

Service user profile:

Mrs-Anita-Patel

Name Mrs Anita Patel
Age 76
Ethnicity South Asian (British Indian)
Language Bilingual – Gujarati and English
Medical conditions Early-stage dementia,Arthritis affecting mobility
Current setting Resident at Oakwood Residential Care Home
Support needs Personal care, mobility assistance, emotional support, culturally appropriate care

Service User History:

  • Mrs Patel lived with her daughter and grandchildren until 6 months ago, when her growing care needs became difficult to manage at home.
  • Her family describes her as an independent and proud woman who enjoys participating in her care decisions. She has a strong cultural and religious background and follows a vegetarian diet based on Hindu traditions.
  • Before moving into residential care, she attended a local day centre where she was supported by culturally sensitive staff. Since moving into the care home, her main support comes from carers and her daughter, who visits regularly.

Recent Events:

  • Mrs Patel has developed a positive relationship with a regular carer, Claire, who consistently respects her cultural and personal preferences, such as offering vegetarian meals, speaking in Gujarati, and supporting her to eat and mobilise independently without rushing or taking over tasks. Claire also ensures personal care is delivered privately and maintains confidentiality.
  • However, Mrs Patel has experienced inconsistencies with some night staff, who do not follow her care plan and have caused her distress during personal care by ignoring her preferences and speaking about her in English while she is present.
  • A visiting relative witnessed a night staff member raising their voice at Mrs Patel when she tried to move independently. Although her care plan supports safe mobility, appropriate assistance was not offered, and no safeguarding action appears to have been taken following the incident.
  • Mrs Patel has raised concerns about being rushed during mealtimes and receiving inconsistent support to maintain her independence, which has left her feeling overlooked and disempowered.
  • During a recent religious festival, Mrs Patel was not offered appropriate vegetarian meal options or supported to observe fasting as outlined in her care plan, leading to emotional distress and a sense of cultural neglect.
  • On one occasion, medication was administered late without explanation or consent, and when Mrs Patel questioned it, her concerns were dismissed. The incident was not documented, raising concerns around safe practice and accountability.

Produce a Reflective Account of 750 words using self-reflection which will:

Explore your understanding of boundaries in care relationships (examining the principles of good practice in carrying out care).

Considering Carl Rogers’ theory (Person-Centred Theory), describe and reflect on how you may provide professional care to the service users showing an appreciation of boundaries.

It is essential to use a reflective theory to structure your reflection. You need to select ONE of the following theories:

  • Gibbs’ Reflective Theory, OR
  • Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle, OR
  • Schon’s Reflective Practice, OR
  • Rolfe et al.’s Reflective Model.

In your reflection,

  • Define and describe “boundaries” in care relationships.
  • Define and describe “good practice” in carrying out care.
  • How you currently or how you will (in the future) provide, a professional and good standard of care to the person receiving care.
    o Describe your role / future role.
    o Describe the service user (anonymised information).
    o Describe the boundary.
    o Describe the good practice.
    o How may you improve on this practice?
    • Using research, further explore why and how this “good practice” influences YOUR professional practice in health and social care sector in carrying out care.
    • Reflect if there is anything to improve on and how and why you intend to do so.
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Three principles of care and their implementation

The three principles of care are dignity and respect, person centred care and safeguarding and protection from harm. The implementation of dignity and respect can be ensured in the given case study by way of respecting Mrs Patel’s cultural diet and also by maintaining privacy during personal care. The poor practice is evident in the given scenario in terms of night staff ignoring preferences of the patient which violates her dignity. The person centred care can be implemented in this case by supporting Independence with meals and mobility, and also by properly following the care plan. However rushing during her meal times is a contradiction of person centred care. Safeguarding and protection from harm is crucial but in the case of MRS Patel, the example of ignoring her care plan, late medication and safeguarding concerns.

How principles of care affect the rights of vulnerable people

The principles of care uphold the rights of vulnerable people by preserving their autonomy and choice, and also by protecting their emotional wellbeing and self esteem through respect and dignity. In situations when principles are not followed as identified in the given situation of MRS Patel, the patient feels disempowered, distressed and culturally neglected. Poor communication violates her right to be informed and ignoring care plans infinites on her right to safe and appropriate care.

How principles of care affect professional practice

It is important for the carers to follow practices that satisfy the needs, preferences and culture of each person. Care plans should be carefully followed to maintain consistency, and there should be clear boundaries and accountability is crucial. The principles of care ensure the compliance with these professional practices necessary to maintain the care standards.

Impact of policy, legislation, regulation and codes of conduct

Policies are crucial in guiding daily practice, and in the given case scenario the staff failed to follow the safeguarding policy. The important legislation includes the health and social care act to promote safety and quality, equality act to protect cultural rights, and mental capacity act to ensure participation in decisions.
Proper regulation helps in setting standards which ultimately supports dignity, safety and person centered care. The professional codes of conduct like NMC, HCPC, Care Certificate Standards requires respect, confidentiality, accurate record keeping and no abuse.

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