Care value base

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In nursing theory, a care value base is an ethical code which governs how carers ought to act in certain situations, to be certain that they are not discriminating, being unkind, or providing poor care for their patients.

The care value base covers five main areas:

Promoting anti-discriminatory practice: Carers have a duty to promote anti discriminatory practice in their professional lives.
Maintaining confidentiality: Clients must know they can trust their carers. Clients may be put at risk and their self esteem may be lowered. Confidential information is shared with others, and there are legal requirements to keep personal records confidential.
Promoting and supporting individuals' rights
Acknowledging individuals' personal beliefs and identities
Promoting effective communication

[edit] Importance of a care value base

The care value base forms part of a code of conduct, or a professional code of ethics, for anyone working in a caring profession.

The care value base is important because towns and cities are becoming more multicultural and ethnically diverse, and there are more people with physical disabilities or learning disabilities in the community. Also, many laws now prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or anything else.

Any violation of the care value base or code of conduct may result in dismissals, lawsuits, and, in a case of an entire institution acting unethically, enforced closure. The care value base also helps the clients promote their rights by outlining what they expect from health care services.