Human Dignity
by Nicole Adelman, MSS, LSW
The six core values of social work are what drew me into the profession more than 23 years ago. I think all are equal in terms of importance, and I could share stories of how each is utilized regularly in my scope of practice. I find myself drawn to one that strikes a chord more than most: Dignity and worth of the person.
Working in a hospice setting, that means many things. If there are people in a room when someone is receiving personal care or wound care, I may hold up a sheet to provide privacy. I avert my eyes and quietly say I am turning away, hopefully helping the patient feel a bit more relaxed. A patient who was 70 years old told me once the most humiliating experience of his life was being placed on a bedpan. Even worse, he went on to say, was having everyone waiting outside to visit him know he was on it. I have observed such humility and vulnerability with patients who are quite literally at the mercy of their caregivers. Whether they are cared for by family or paid staff, they often feel their dignity is stripped. I have also witnessed such loving care.
Patients with dementia or other cognitive or physical disabilities need special care in terms of maintaining dignity. The simple act of wiping someone’s face while feeding them is a huge gesture to maintain dignity. When working with persons with developmental disabilities, it is important to recognize age-appropriate activities and clothing choices when honoring someone’s dignity.
Recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of a person can include looking past stories of abuse, substance use, and mental illness and seeing the person in front of me as an individual. Life choices and decisions that aren’t seen as positive and socially acceptable, including those that are harmful, can be acknowledged while still respecting the person. Recognizing an individual’s stage of change is essential. I listen to patients and families tell me stories of how they were treated based on their skin color or a diagnosis. A culturally competent practice, including person-first language, further serves to maintain dignity for someone who is struggling. I try to understand where my patients might come from and how to best provide a safe environment for them to share their needs.
As an adjunct faculty member, I watch my students in their field placements embrace these values. We all want to think the interventions we work hard to offer will be effective and every person we work with will rise to meet us. The opposite is true. Maintaining someone’s dignity includes meeting people where they are and holding space if, and when, they decide they are ready.
Social workers are held to professional standards with a code of ethics to help guide our work. We are competent, have integrity, promote social justice, serve others, recognize the importance of human relationships, and promote the dignity and worth of all individuals.
Nicole Adelman, MSS, LSW, is a hospice social worker with Grand View Health and an adjunct faculty member with Widener University's Center for Social Work Education.
