1.2 Explain how agreed ways of working uphold the rights of an individual with dementia

This guide will help you answer 1.2 Explain how agreed ways of working uphold the rights of an individual with dementia.

Agreed ways of working are shared methods and standards set by an organisation. They are based on laws, regulations, policies, and best practice. In dementia care, these agreed approaches guide staff on how to care for individuals in a safe, respectful, and person-centred way. They are often written down in policies, care plans, training guides, and codes of conduct.

For people living with dementia, agreed ways of working are important because they protect their rights and dignity. Dementia can affect memory, judgement, language, mood, and daily living skills. This can make individuals more vulnerable to harm, neglect, or discrimination. Using agreed ways of working makes sure that every member of staff behaves in a consistent way, helping to protect the person’s choices, safety, and wellbeing.

Agreed ways of working will be built on laws such as the Human Rights Act 1998, the Equality Act 2010, the Mental Capacity Act 2005, and health and social care standards. These laws protect every person’s right to be treated fairly, to make their own choices wherever possible, and to be protected from harm.

Protecting the Rights of People with Dementia

Rights are moral and legal entitlements belonging to people simply because they are human. For someone with dementia, their rights do not reduce because of their diagnosis. Agreed ways of working should always uphold those rights in practice.

These rights include:

• The right to privacy
• The right to dignity
• The right to make choices
• The right to be safe
• The right to be treated equally and without discrimination
• The right to be listened to
• The right to take part in decisions about their own care

When staff follow agreed ways of working, these rights are supported every day, whether the person is living at home, in supported living, or in a residential care service.

Person-Centred Approaches

Agreed ways of working in dementia care focus on the person as an individual rather than just their condition. This approach is sometimes called person-centred care. It means considering the individual’s personal history, likes, dislikes, beliefs, culture, and values.

For example:

• Care plans will record the person’s preferred daily routine, such as the time they like to wake up, eat meals, or participate in activities.
• Communication methods will match the person’s strengths. This might mean using pictures, speaking slowly, or giving extra time to respond.
• Staff will avoid making assumptions about what the person wants or needs.

By setting out and following these agreed methods, staff help uphold a person’s right to autonomy and individuality.

Communication and Involvement

Agreed ways of working usually include specific methods for communication. People with dementia may find it harder to understand spoken language or to express themselves. Good practice includes:

• Using short, clear sentences
• Speaking slowly and calmly
• Checking for understanding
• Using visual aids if needed
• Allowing extra time for responses

This helps make sure the person can still participate in their own care. It supports their right to be heard and to be part of decisions.

For example, before a personal care task, the care worker might show and explain what will happen, giving the person a chance to agree or refuse.

Supporting Choice and Independence

One core right that agreed ways of working protect is the right to make decisions about one’s own life. Even when someone has dementia, they may still have mental capacity to decide on certain matters. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 says that capacity must be assessed for each decision and that help should be given to support decision-making.

Agreed ways of working will often include:

• Encouraging the person to choose clothes, foods, or activities
• Offering different options rather than deciding for them
• Supporting safe risk-taking, such as allowing a person to make a cup of tea with supervision if needed

This approach upholds independence and prevents unnecessary restriction.

Promoting Dignity and Respect

Dignity means feeling valued and respected, whatever someone’s circumstances. It is one of the rights protected by agreed ways of working. This includes:

• Knocking before entering the person’s room
• Speaking to them as an adult, not a child
• Covering them appropriately during personal care
• Respecting personal beliefs, culture, and religion
• Avoiding negative or patronising language

For example, a worker who explains each part of a care task while preserving privacy is following agreed ways of working and protecting dignity.

Preventing Discrimination

People with dementia can face stigma or unfair treatment. The Equality Act 2010 protects against discrimination connected to disability, age, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and other protected characteristics.

Agreed ways of working often include:

• Staff training on equality and diversity
• Procedures for reporting discrimination or abuse
• Rules to guide inclusive language and behaviour
• Making sure the person has access to culturally appropriate activities, food, and care

By applying these, care staff help maintain the individual’s right to equal treatment and respect.

Safeguarding from Harm and Abuse

Dementia can make individuals more dependent on care staff. This increases the risk of neglect, exploitation, or abuse. Safeguarding is about protecting people from harm.

Agreed ways of working normally cover:

• How to recognise signs of abuse or neglect
• How and when to report concerns
• Following safety procedures such as correct moving and handling
• Using risk assessments to protect safety without unnecessarily limiting freedom

Following these agreed steps keeps the person safe while still respecting their choices.

Confidentiality and Privacy

Privacy is a human right and is also protected by data protection laws. Agreed ways of working include safeguarding personal information and maintaining confidentiality.

This includes:

• Storing personal records securely
• Only sharing information with those who have a professional need to know
• Holding conversations about care in private areas
• Using discretion when speaking near others

In a dementia care setting, this means that sensitive information about health, personal history, or family is kept safe from unauthorised access.

Managing Capacity and Consent

Agreed ways of working set out how to apply the law when a person may lack mental capacity for certain decisions. The Mental Capacity Act provides guidance on making decisions in the person’s best interests while involving them as much as possible.

Key points include:

• Always assume capacity unless proven otherwise
• Support the person in decision-making before deciding they lack capacity
• Record assessments and decisions clearly
• Involve family or advocates where appropriate
• Choose the least restrictive option

Following these rules respects the person’s legal and moral rights.

Consistency in Care

Consistency means that all staff respond to the person using the same agreed approach. Dementia can make change confusing and distressing. If all workers follow the same care plan, this strengthens trust and reduces anxiety.

For example:

• Morning routines remain the same from day to day
• Staff use the same communication style
• Boundaries and expectations are consistent

Agreed ways of working make sure these consistent methods stay in place for every shift and every worker.

Record Keeping

Accurate record keeping is part of agreed ways of working. Records show what care has been provided, any changes in the person’s condition, and any incidents. Good record keeping helps protect rights because it:

• Provides evidence of care
• Supports continuity across different workers
• Allows issues to be spotted and addressed quickly
• Ensures accountability

For example, recording that a person refused medication on a certain day means another worker can follow up in a sensitive and lawful way.

Staff Training and Supervision

Organisations use agreed ways of working as the basis for training and supervision. This makes sure every staff member knows their responsibilities, follows the law, and respects the individual’s rights.

Training topics include:

• Dementia awareness
• Equality and diversity
• Safeguarding
• Communication
• Confidentiality
• Understanding capacity and consent

Regular supervision means managers can check that agreed practices are followed, support staff with challenges, and update methods as needed.

Partnership Working

Agreed ways of working include cooperating with other professionals, family members, and advocates. This protects the rights of individuals with dementia by making sure:

• Care is consistent across services
• Everyone has access to the same accurate information
• The person’s preferences are respected in all settings

For example, a home care worker may share updates with a GP and a family member within agreed confidentiality rules.

Involving the Person in Care Planning

The care plan is a written record of how the person’s needs will be met. Agreed ways of working require the person’s voice to be heard in planning whenever possible. Even if someone has advanced dementia, they may still indicate preferences through behaviour or non-verbal cues.

This means:

• Asking about preferences before making changes
• Using knowledge of the person’s life history to guide decisions
• Adjusting plans if new information arises

This approach upholds the right to have a say in one’s own life.

Advocacy

Sometimes a person with dementia needs help to express their views or to challenge decisions about their care. Agreed ways of working often include referring to an independent advocate in cases where:

• The person has no family or friends to represent their wishes
• The person disagrees with a proposed decision
• There are concerns about rights being limited

Advocates work to make sure the person’s views are heard and respected.

Monitoring and Review

Rights are protected when care is reviewed regularly. Dementia is a progressive condition and needs may change over time. Agreed ways of working set out timescales and procedures for review.

Reviews include:

• Checking if care is still meeting the person’s needs
• Updating risk assessments
• Adding new preferences or removing outdated information
• Involving the person and relevant others in the process

By doing this, rights continue to be respected as circumstances change.

Final Thoughts

Agreed ways of working act as a shared map for everyone involved in supporting a person with dementia. They are shaped by law, organisational policy, and best practice. They help to protect the person’s dignity, independence, safety, and involvement in life decisions. For someone living with dementia, consistent respect for these rights can make the difference between feeling valued and feeling overlooked.

By following agreed methods, workers can respond in a way that is respectful, legal, and supportive. This does more than keep the person safe. It also helps them live with purpose, connection, and self-respect, no matter what stage of dementia they are at. A strong focus on rights means that care is about supporting the whole person, not just meeting basic needs. That is the foundation of good dementia care.