A disabling environment

When an individual cannot be in control of their life because of physical or social barriers, this can cause a 'disabling environment' An 'enabling environment', however, could help a person to be more in control of their life and allow them to maintain more of their independence, beliefs, preferences privacy and dignity. As suggested in unit 6, "The environment can become a barrier to everyday living" (unit 6, p.16). For many people, British traditional phrases such as "…

…settings with underlying principles such as those set out in The Wagner report - caring, choice, continuity, change and common values (unit 8, p.123) are now becoming commonplace in many care settings as good practice, in line with the Care Standards Act 2000.(www.dh.gov.uk) The new laws and standards should help individuals receiving care in a care setting or in their own home have their environments altered so that they can achieve maximum independence.