This Code of Ethics outlines the principles and standards of behaviour expected of all employees of Philip Parkinson Homecare. Our commitment is to provide high-quality, compassionate care while upholding the dignity, rights, and independence of the people we support. This Code serves as a guide to ensure that all actions and decisions reflect our core values and ethical standards.
- Respect and Dignity
- Treat all clients, their families, and colleagues with respect, dignity, and courtesy.
- Honour the cultural, spiritual, and personal values and beliefs of each client.
- Promote and protect the privacy and confidentiality of clients and their information.
- Integrity and Honesty
- Conduct all business and care activities with honesty, transparency, and integrity.
- Avoid conflicts of interest and disclose any potential conflicts to the appropriate authority.
- Provide accurate, truthful, and timely documentation and reports.
- Quality of Care
- Provide care that meets or exceeds the established standards of practice and complies with all relevant laws and regulations.
- Continuously seek to improve the quality of care through ongoing education, training, and feedback.
- Ensure that all care plans are personalised, regularly reviewed, and updated to reflect the changing needs of clients.
- Professionalism
- Maintain a professional demeanour at all times, including appropriate attire and communication.
- Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and accountability in all work activities.
- Respect the boundaries of the professional caregiver-client relationship.
- Compassion and Empathy
- Show compassion, empathy, and understanding towards clients and their families.
- Listen actively to the concerns and needs of clients, providing emotional support when needed.
- Encourage and support clients in maintaining their independence and engaging in meaningful activities.
- Confidentiality
- Protect the confidentiality of all client information, sharing it only with authorised individuals and in compliance with applicable laws.
- Ensure secure handling and storage of client records and personal information.
- Respect clients’ rights to privacy in all interactions and care activities.
- Collaboration and Teamwork
- Foster a collaborative and supportive work environment, promoting teamwork and open communication.
- Share knowledge and expertise with colleagues to enhance collective competence and care quality.
- Respect the roles and contributions of all team members, valuing diverse perspectives and skills.
- Advocacy and Empowerment
- Advocate for the rights and well-being of clients, ensuring they have a voice in their care decisions.
- Empower clients by providing them with information, resources, and support to make informed choices.
- Report any concerns about abuse, neglect, or exploitation of clients to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- Compliance with Laws and Regulations
- Adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, and standards governing domiciliary care services.
- Report any violations or breaches of laws and regulations to the appropriate regulatory bodies.
- Participate in audits, inspections, and reviews to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.
- Sustainability and Responsibility
- Use resources efficiently and responsibly, minimising waste and environmental impact.
- Promote sustainable practices in daily operations and long-term planning.
- Encourage clients and staff to engage in environmentally friendly activities and behaviours.
- Continuous Improvement
- Seek feedback from clients, families, and colleagues to identify areas for improvement.
- Commit to ongoing professional development and education.
- Implement best practices and innovative solutions to enhance the quality of care and service delivery.
- Duty of Candour
- Transparency: Be honest with people we support and their families about the care being provided. If something goes wrong, this will be promptly acknowledged and communicated.
- Communication: If an incident occurs, we will inform the person we support and/or their representative in a timely manner, providing a clear explanation of what happened, the potential impact, and what will be done to manage the situation and prevent recurrence.
- Apology: A sincere apology must be offered when a mistake or failure occurs. This is an important step in maintaining trust and showing accountability.
- Investigation and Reporting: The incident must be investigated to understand what went wrong. Findings should be reported to relevant authorities if required, and to the supported person and their family.
- Support: The patient and their family should be offered support to deal with the consequences of the incident. This can include psychological support, additional medical treatment, or other necessary services.
Adherence to this Code of Ethics is mandatory for all employees of Philip Parkinson Homecare. By following these principles, we can ensure the highest standards of care, foster trust within our community, and uphold our commitment to the well-being and dignity of the people we support.
