In a radio program, a woman told the story of the doctor who came to confirm the death of her mother. The doctor entered the room at the nursing home with snowy boots and her coat still on, pulled out a mirror which she held over the mother's mouth to confirm her death, and then left the room. She made no effort to connect with the relatives and left dirty, wet footprints on the floor.

Stories are sometimes told of nurses and care assistants in home health care who do not take the time to remove their outerwear when visiting patients' homes. At nursing homes, the staff do not come in wearing their outdoor clothes, but they can still, through body language and attitude, show that they are in a hurry. We perceive a person who chooses to stand up and talk while we sit down or who does not take the time to remove their clothes or seems to be in a rush as stressed. The resident might then think "Do I dare to ask that troublesome question if she's in a hurry?" or "Will I have time to get help going to the bathroom?"

We live in a stressed society and standing up as a visitor suggests that either you are in a hurry or that you find the home unpleasant or inhospitable. For those suffering from aphasia or who have difficulty communicating for other reasons, this can create insecurity and depression.

Dignity in interacting with residents and relatives at the nursing home

Treating people with dignity is a fundamental part of elderly care. For the residents, it means feeling respected and acknowledged as individuals, while for their relatives it creates a sense of safety and trust. By prioritizing dignity in every encounter, the nursing home can contribute to improved quality of life and well-being.

What does dignity mean?

Dignity is about treating each individual with respect and recognizing their unique needs, feelings, and life experiences. In a nursing home, this involves:
- Respecting autonomy: Allowing the residents to make their own decisions in daily life, from choice of clothing to how they wish to spend their time.
- Acknowledging individuality: Getting to know the residents and their backgrounds to tailor care based on their preferences and habits.
- Creating safety: Meeting relatives with understanding and clarity to build a good collaboration around the elderly's care.

Dignified treatment in practice

To ensure dignity in interactions with residents and their relatives, care staff can work with the following:
- Active listening: Show interest by listening without interrupting and asking questions that show care.
- Eye contact and body language: Create a warm and inviting atmosphere by using eye contact, a friendly smile, and open body language.
- Adaptation: Adjust communication based on the individual's ability and needs, for example by speaking clearly and slowly if needed.

Dignity in challenging situations

In difficult situations, such as when a resident feels anxious or when a relative expresses dissatisfaction, it is especially important to act with dignity:
- Show patience: Respond to frustration and anxiety with calmness and understanding.
- Seek solutions together: Involve both residents and relatives in discussions about how the situation can be improved.
- Be transparent: Explain why decisions are made and how the care is intended to work.

The effect of dignified treatment

When dignity permeates the work at the nursing home, the following results:
- Improved quality of life: Residents feel respected and acknowledged, which contributes to mental well-being.
- Improved collaboration: Relatives feel trust in the staff and feel included in the care.
- Better work environment: A culture of respect and dignity benefits both staff and residents.

Reflection questions - dignity in interactions
Care staff:
- What do you do to remind each other not to let stress affect your interactions with the residents?
- Do you consider that you are entering the resident's home when you enter an apartment?
- Do you introduce yourselves and shake hands?
- Do we create conditions for those who come into the home as temporary visitors to have a good meeting?

Manager, nurse, occupational therapist, and physiotherapist:
- What do you do as leaders to set a good example?
- Do you have a common policy for how you behave when you enter someone's apartment?
- Do you take the time to listen to the staff?

Residents and relatives:
- Do all representatives of the operation take the time to stop and listen, when you or your relative want to say something or ask a question?

Erland Olsson
Specialist nurse
Sofrosyne - Better care every day