In nursing theory, a care value base is an ethical code which governs how caregivers ought to act in certain situations within a health or social care setting, to be certain that they are not discriminating, violating people's rights, or providing poor care for their clients.[1]
The care value base is a set of rules and guidelines that every care practitioner has to follow in order to provide services to their clients.
The seven principles are:
1. Promoting anti-discriminatory practice
2. Maintaining confidentiality of information
3. Promoting and supporting individuals right to dignity, independence, choice and safety
4. Acknowledging people's personal beliefs and identities
5. Protecting individuals from abuse
6. Providing effective communication and relationships
7. Providing individualised care
The care value base forms 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 , many laws now prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability.
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.
Using the Care Value Base, carers or care givers, must remember that people have the right to their own beliefs, ideas and way of life which the carers should not try to influence. Nobody has the right to damage other peoples quality of life. Rights come with responsibilities. Carers must respect the rights of all clients, no matter what. Clients in care need to be supported by effective communication. Be able to interconnect with a person effectively is much more reassuring and helps increase the quality of care.