Care Act 2014

Under the Care Act 2014 (Section 1), the Trust has a duty to promote well-being when carrying out any of their care and support functions in respect of a person. Well-being is a broad concept and is described as relating to the following areas in particular:

• Personal dignity (including treatment of the individual with respect)

• Physical and mental health and emotional well-being

• Protection from abuse and neglect

• Control by the individual over day-to-day life including over the care and support provided and the way in which it is provided

• Participation in work, training, education, or recreation

• Social and economic well-being

• Domestic, family, and personal

• Suitability of living accommodation

• The individual’s contribution to society

There is no hierarchy, and all should be considered of equal importance when considering an individual’s wellbeing. How an individual’s wellbeing is considered will depend on their individual circumstances including their needs, goals, wishes and personal choices and how these impact on their wellbeing.

In addition to the general principle of promoting wellbeing there are several other key principles and standards which the Trust must have regard to when carrying out activities or functions:

• The importance of beginning with the assumption that the individual is best placed to judge their wellbeing.

• The individual’s views, wishes, feelings and beliefs.

• The importance of preventing or delaying the development of needs for care and support and the importance of reducing needs that already exist.

• The need to ensure that decisions are made having regard to all the individual’s circumstances.

• The importance of the individual participating as fully as possible.

• The importance of achieving a balance between the individuals wellbeing and that of any carers or relatives who are involved with the individual.

• The need to protect people from abuse or neglect.

• The need to ensure that any restriction on the individuals’ rights or freedom of action that is involved in the exercise of the function is kept to the minimum necessary.