Over the summer we are incredibly privileged to have another talented intern in the office – Aarti. Aarti is a Speech and Language Therapy student SALT (BSc) and is studying at Plymouth University. Aarti has written the following blog – Person centred care and the “Disability Stigma” which I found to be a really interesting read (I hope you enjoy it too!):
Background
Ancient literature and art represents disabled people as lazy and sinful or associated with witchcraft, as it was believed that how you looked on the outside was a reflection of your character. From the industrial revolution onward, disabled people were segregated from society and forcibly placed in institutions to be examined and experimented upon. The worst example of which occurred during the ‘Eugenics Movement’ of WW2 resulting in a mass extermination of 80,000 to 100,000 disabled people.
Following the trauma of WW2, the United Kingdom began to create policies to ensure such discriminations and atrocities would not occur on this scale again.
During the 1940s, much of the disability legislation was written by professionals such as politicians, doctors or social service providers. The emphasis was that the individual with the impairment needed to change in order to participate in society. Much importance was placed on what was wrong with the disabled individual and what measures could be put in place to ‘cure’ them. For example, setting up a specialist school for disabled children. Decisions regarding treatment or what assistance they needed were not made by the individual but by a health care professional, teachers or government organisations. This type of ‘diagnosis and cure’ attitude was dubbed ‘medical model thinking’ and it created a strained rift between disabled and non-disabled people.
A new way of thinking
In response to this, a new way of thinking emerged championed by The Union of Physically Impaired Against Segregation (UPIAS). The new approach involved empowering those with disabilities so that they could make they own decisions regarding their lifestyle, health care, education etc. UPIAS and other disability activists argued that society needed to change and not the individual. An example of this approach can be seen around the UK today – accessible ATMS that are lower to the ground so that all users can access them.
Supporters of the new ‘social model thinking’ firmly believed that it is society that has disabled people with physical or mental impairments and so it is society that should change to allow those with disabilities a fair chance to become equal members of the community.
Current day disability focus encourages the older ‘medical-style’ thinking to be paired with modern ‘social’ thinking meaning each individual is empowered to make their own informed decisions and is given the chance to participate in society as a valued member. Instead of a hierarchical relationship, disabled and non-disabled individuals can enjoy a relationship of equality.
The link to Home Care at Right at Home Solent
At Right at Home Solent, we are firm believers in Person Centred Care. It’s a word that is “thrown around” a lot in our industry, but I don’t think many companies actually provide person centred care. The above article really made me think, and I’m 100% a Social Model thinker – as a Society we need to change our way of thinking and not dis-able people with certain impairments. Those who are referred to as being disabled still have the right to be in control of their care package, and we can still add value to their lives.
This sums up what we are trying to achieve at Right at Home Solent, no matter who the individual is, what the specific diagnosis is – our focus is still to add value to the individuals life. Simply maintaining a certain quality of life is not enough.
If you, or indeed a loved one could benefit from any of our services, please do not hesitate to get in touch. You can call through to the office on 01329 233755 or email through on solent@rightathomeuk.com. If on the other hand you have the same ethos as us and would consider a role as a CareGiver, have a look at our careers page!
