Thousands of care homes plan to celebrate Dignity Action Day

Care homes up and down the country are preparing for Dignity Action Day, which takes place on Saturday 1 February.

Dignity Action Day was set up to ensure people, who use care services are treated as individuals, and are given choice, control and a sense of purpose in their daily lives.

The National Dignity Council which coordinates the special day, says ‘it is not necessarily a day for the 'grand gesture' but more about taking the time to do something, however small to remind society that dignity in care is everybody's business’.

Dame Joan Bakewell, Dignity in Care ambassador said: “Dignity Action Day highlights a more respectful way of behaving towards vulnerable people. The very old and the very young clearly need our respect, but it wouldn't do any harm to spread the dignity message across the population then we can all benefit.”

Events to celebrate the day include Lake Orchard Care Centre in Kelfield, which is putting on a whole week of events for its 70 residents to choose from, including a lunch, hairdressing and a religious service.

York Older People's Assembly, a forum for over 50s, is holding an information point at Clements Hall, in Nunthorpe Road to share ideas for how to promote dignity and respect in York.

Council run care homes in Lancashire are offering to make Digni-tea Action Day memorable through coffee mornings, pamper sessions, tea-dances with buffets, craft days and cake decorating.

While Langfield care home in Manchester is putting on a week of events which include a staff ‘mad bad hair day’.

To find out more about Dignity Action Day go to http://www.dignityincare.org.uk/