Dignity in health and social care for older Europeans: implications of a European project

Abstract

Dignity is often cited in policies and papers relating to older people, yet there is little evidence regarding what dignity means in practice or how it may be best promoted in health and social care. The Dignity and Older Europeans Project explored these issues with older people and care professionals in a crossnational study. Dignity was seen as a highly relevant and important concept, enhancing self-esteem, self-worth and wellbeing. In general the participants found it easier to identify situations when dignity was lacking than to identify times when it was present or what it meant. For the dignity of older people to be enhanced, person-centered care must address communication issues, privacy, personal identity and feelings of vulnerability. In particular, there is a need for education of all health and social professionals to better appreciate what dignity means and for policies that promote greater dignity for all older people in society.