A human rights framework for home care

For our inquiry into older people and human rights in home care, we devised a framework for evidence collection, which identifies areas where older people’s human rights might be at risk. This framework draws on the European Convention on Human Rights, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the UN Principles for Older Persons. It may provide a useful starting point for commissioners and providers of services who are thinking about adopting a human rights approach to home care.

Dignity and security

Physical well-being
Freedom from intentional physical abuse
Freedom from unintended / careless neglect
Protection from pharmaceutical / medical abuse
Protection from sexual abuse
Psychological and emotional well-being
Freedom from bullying and threats
Freedom from disrespectful treatment
Freedom from being ignored / not talked to
Respect for cultural heritage / religion
Financial security / security of possessions
Protection from financial abuse
Financial decisions taken in one’s best interests (if someone lacks capacity)
Freedom to control one’s personal possessions

Autonomy and choice

Self-determination in one's life
Right to live as independently as possible
Right to make routine decisions (eg what to eat / wear)
Right to be consulted about ongoing professional decisions
Right to determine the timetable of one's day

Support for decision-making about care

Right to information and advice about options
Right to be offered meaningful choices and time to decide
Right to be offered support for personalisation of care
Right to nominate a third party to decide, if desired
Appropriate application of Mental Capacity Act (if someone lacks capacity)

Privacy

Respect for privacy
Modesty when dressing / bathing
Privacy when one's personal circumstances are discussed by others
Respect for personal space
Respect for wish to be alone
Respect for wish to be intimate with others
Respect for private correspondence
Respect for private letters
Respect for private documents
Respect for private phone calls

Social and civic participation

Friends and family
Right to maintain relationships with family
Right to participate in the community
Right to participate in elections

Last updated: 11 Jul 2016