Life quality factors

Having something interesting or worth while to do such as a job, hobby or a sporting activity. It can give people the feeling that their lives are worth while and can also motivate them to act in ways which are adaptive ( bring others benefits).

Stimulation

The presence of stimuli which increases a persons arousal to a comfortable level, to make life interesting and challenging. Without stimulation, a person is likely to feel bored. Most people actively seek stimulation, but there are some situations in which a person is unable to do this - including some health and social care settings.

Effective communication

Enables a person to access information they need and to have influence on those around them. For example in care settings this means enabling clients to :

• to find out or be given information about their treatment, future opportunities or prospects
• To ask questions and recieve answers
• To be listened to

Choice

Having (or being given) the power to make decisions about your situation. It gives people a sense of freedom and people who normally have most choice are usually powerful wealthy adults. examples of choice are :

• Decide what to have to eat
• when to get up
• what career to follow

Autonomy

Having the ability and opportunity to influence your own situations and actions. A person has autonomy if they have effective control over their own actions and are free from coercion.

+example:A person decides not to start smoking even though her friends try to persuade her

-example:a person wants to drink less alcohol but is unable to cut down

Equitable treatment

receiving treatment which might not be the same as the treatment of others but is likely to be seen as fair and not significantly better or worse. It is the same as absence of unfair discrimination. people dislike inequitable treatment as they feel they are less important or deserving.

Social contact

Opportunities to be with other people. For many people, a sense of self includes a feeling of belonging to a group.

Social support

Opportunities to be with familiar and trusted people who act in your own interest. Typically, family members and friends provide each other with social support but also special attachment workers and other key workers may provide this.

Approval

Being shown positive regard, such as affection or praise. This can benefit a person by maintaining their self esteem.

Privacy

Opportunities to be undisturbed or unobserved by others in situations likely to cause embarrassment.

Dignity

Being shown respect, the absence of demeaning treatment. Demeaning treatment can reduce a persons self esteem.

Confidentiality

Assurance that sensitive information about a client will not be made public unnecessarily.

psychological security

Absence of fear or distressing anxiety

Hygiene

The procedures involved in maintaining cleanliness, including health and safety, personal hygiene routines and food preparations.

Exercise

An activity which is necessary for the body to keep healthy and in good working order.

Physical safety

One of the most important issues for carers working in health and social care. Clients need to feel secure in their care setting.

Adequate nutrition

A diet which contains all the essential vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fibre and fat for the body to grow and function effectively.

Physical comfort

A condition or feeling of physical ease and well being

Freedom from pain

When clients are relieved of suffering