A Philosophy Built on Positive Psychology
The Good Work framework is more than a set of rules; it is a philosophy grounded in positive psychology, focusing on an individual's strengths, purpose, and overall well-being. Unlike traditional models that often focus on deficits and what a person with dementia has lost, this framework shifts the perspective to what the person still has and what provides them with meaning. By adopting this approach, care providers move beyond simply managing symptoms to truly supporting a fulfilling life, which ultimately benefits both the person receiving care and their caregiver.
The Three Pillars of Good Work: Ethics, Excellence, and Engagement
At its core, the Good Work framework is supported by three foundational pillars that guide and define its application in dementia care:
- Ethics: This pillar emphasizes compassionate, values-based practice. It requires caregivers to place the individual at the heart of their work by listening to and respecting their perspectives. The ethical approach ensures that every interaction is conducted with dignity and prioritizes the unique needs and desires of the person with dementia.
- Excellence: Excellence refers to technical competence and high standards of care. It means that care staff are knowledgeable and skilled in all aspects of dementia care, from communication techniques to understanding behavioral changes. The framework ensures that caregivers have the technical expertise to provide competent and effective support.
- Engagement: Engagement focuses on wise and personally engaging practice, acknowledging that care occurs within a broader context. It encourages staff to build meaningful relationships and foster a positive, supportive environment. This means recognizing the person's interdependence with family, friends, and the wider community, ensuring their social needs are met.
The Three Tiers of Expertise
The Good Work framework provides a tiered approach to learning and development, ensuring that training is tailored to different roles and levels of experience within the care sector. This structured approach builds a strong, informed, and capable workforce.
- Informed People: At the foundational level, informed people are those who have a basic awareness of dementia. This includes a general understanding of what dementia is, how it affects a person, and how to communicate effectively. This level of training is suitable for all staff members who may interact with someone with dementia, not just direct care providers.
- Skilled People: Building on the foundation, skilled people have more detailed and comprehensive knowledge of dementia. Their training is more in-depth and is tailored to their specific roles, interests, and responsibilities. This level applies to individuals who have more direct and frequent contact with people with dementia, providing them with the tools for more nuanced and effective care.
- Influencers: The highest tier consists of influencers, who have leadership and strategic roles. These individuals are informed and often skilled, but their primary function is to inspire and guide others. They are responsible for shaping the organizational culture and ensuring the principles of the Good Work framework are embedded throughout the entire care system.
Comparison: Good Work Framework vs. Traditional Care
To highlight the framework's advantages, it is useful to compare it with traditional, task-oriented dementia care.
| Feature | Good Work Framework | Traditional Dementia Care |
|---|---|---|
| Underlying Philosophy | Person-centered, strengths-based, focused on well-being and positive psychology. | Task-oriented, medical model, focused on managing deficits and illness. |
| Caregiver Role | To build meaningful relationships, empower individuals, and provide compassionate support based on values. | To perform specific tasks, manage behaviors, and follow a prescribed schedule. |
| Focus of Care | What matters most to the individual, including their independence, purpose, and social connections. | The symptoms of the disease and addressing problems or challenging behaviors. |
| Training Approach | Tiered learning (Informed, Skilled, Influencers) based on principles of ethics, excellence, and engagement. | Often standardized, one-size-fits-all training focused on medical and procedural knowledge. |
| Outcome Measured | Quality of life, sense of well-being, engagement in meaningful activities, and staff retention. | Symptom reduction, completion of tasks, and management of challenging behaviors. |
Implementing the Good Work Framework in Practice
Applying the framework involves more than simply attending a training session. It requires a shift in mindset and a commitment to sustained improvement, from the care staff to leadership. A crucial resource for learning more about the Good Work framework is the Dementia care and support learning and development guide from Social Care Wales, which provides detailed implementation guidance.
For Direct Care Staff
- Embrace Person-Centered Support: Get to know the individual beyond their diagnosis. Learn their life story, preferences, and what brings them joy. This fosters a sense of 'personhood,' which is vital for maintaining self-esteem.
- Enhance Communication: Use effective communication techniques, including non-verbal cues and simple, clear language. Focus on understanding the emotion behind a behavior rather than just the behavior itself.
- Use a Strengths-Based Approach: Focus on what the individual can still do rather than what they can't. Adapt activities to leverage their remaining skills and interests, providing a sense of purpose and achievement.
For Managers and Organizations
- Invest in Tiered Training: Implement the Informed, Skilled, and Influencer training levels to ensure all staff have the appropriate level of knowledge and skills.
- Foster a Positive Work Environment: Encourage teamwork, open communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration. A supportive leadership team that values and recognizes its staff is essential for reducing turnover and improving quality of care.
- Engage with Families: Encourage partnership with families and caregivers, recognizing their vital role. Their insights can provide crucial person-centered information and strengthen relationships.
Integrating with the Senses Framework
The Good Work framework is often used alongside the Senses framework, which focuses on delivering care that provides a sense of Security, Continuity, Belonging, Purpose, Achievement, and Significance. By aligning these frameworks, care providers can offer a holistic approach to well-being.
- Security: Building a consistent, calm, and predictable environment.
- Continuity: Maintaining routines and familiar elements to provide comfort.
- Belonging: Fostering meaningful social relationships and interactions.
- Purpose: Engaging individuals in meaningful activities that provide a sense of usefulness.
- Achievement: Offering opportunities for success and recognizing personal progress, however small.
- Significance: Making individuals feel valued and appreciated for who they are.
Conclusion: A More Humane Approach to Dementia Care
In conclusion, the Good Work framework for dementia offers a powerful and comprehensive model for improving the lives of people living with dementia. By prioritizing positive psychology, a person-centered approach, and a tiered training structure, it elevates the standard of care from task-based management to compassionate, values-driven support. The focus on ethics, excellence, and engagement, combined with the integration of the Senses framework, ensures that individuals with dementia can live with dignity, purpose, and a strong sense of well-being. Organizations and care providers who adopt this framework are better equipped to provide high-quality care, create a positive work culture, and deliver meaningful outcomes for everyone involved.
