Dignity of Risk

November 4, 2025

As people age, it's a natural instinct for family, friends, and caregivers to want to protect them from harm. This well-meaning desire can sometimes lead to an overly cautious environment where an older person's freedom to make their own decisions is limited. The concept of Dignity of Risk challenges this by asserting that all adults have the right to live the life they choose, even if their choices involve potential risks. It acknowledges that making decisions is a fundamental part of being human, and this right doesn't disappear with age or increasing frailty.

Balancing Risk with a Duty of Care

A common concern for caregivers is how to balance supporting a person's choices with their professional "duty of care". The key is to shift the mindset from controlling a person's actions to supporting their decision-making process. Rather than putting up blocks due to fear, the role of a carer is to be vigilant while helping the individual understand the situation fully. This means providing information and support so they can make informed choices about their own life and care.

The Power of an Informed Choice

An informed choice is a decision made after a person understands the potential outcomes and options available to them. It's a collaborative process, not a directive.

A clear example involves a man named Jack, who wanted to use an alternative medicine for a health condition. His care worker was concerned and involved a supervisor. Instead of forbidding it, the supervisor, Enid, discussed the issue with Jack, explaining that his chosen remedy might not be effective and could potentially infect others. She also suggested other options for him to consider. With this new information, Jack chose to visit a clinic and get a cream that would resolve the issue quickly. He wasn't told what to do; he was given the information needed to make his own decision. Documenting these conversations and decisions is considered good practice for any care organization.

Supporting a Meaningful Life

Denying a person the ability to engage in activities that are meaningful to them can negatively impact their well-being and independence. For example, a woman named Alice had grown up sitting around campfires, which were central to her life for cooking, warmth, and memories. Although her family was worried about the risk, her care service sought a solution. They found a way to create a safer fire setup that allowed Alice to continue this important activity independently. This is a perfect illustration of supporting a person to live the life they choose.

This principle is so crucial that it's embedded in professional standards like the Code of Conduct for Aged Care. The code explicitly states, "I must act with respect for people's rights to freedom of expression, self-determination and decision-making". This reinforces that honoring a person's autonomy is a fundamental part of providing quality care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What exactly is "Dignity of Risk"? Dignity of Risk is another way of saying that a person has the right to live the life they choose, even if those choices may involve some risk. It recognizes that making one's own decisions is essential to being human, regardless of age.

2. Doesn't Dignity of Risk conflict with a "Duty of Care"? Not at all. A duty of care doesn't mean controlling a person's actions. It means providing support and information so they can make informed choices for themselves. Carers should be vigilant, but not so overly cautious that they block a person from participating in activities they understand the risks of.

3. What is an "informed choice"? An informed choice is a decision a person makes after the risks and options have been clearly explained to them. For instance, after a supervisor discussed the potential downsides of an alternative medicine with a resident named Jack, he chose to go to a clinic instead. This was his informed choice.

4. Why is supporting risk so important for well-being? Denying a person access to meaningful activities, like a campfire that holds significant memories for a resident named Alice, can have a negative impact on their independence and overall well-being. Allowing people to continue these activities helps them live the life they choose.

5. Are aged care staff required to support the Dignity of Risk? Yes. The Code of Conduct for Aged Care, which all staff must follow, directly supports this idea. Part (a) of the code requires staff to respect a person's right to self-determination and decision-making.

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