Confidentiality, varying definitions and interpretations, has caused difficulties over many years, has often become a major issue between home and professional carers.

The dilemma

Adult individuals have a basic right to decide how information about them may be shared with others – this is a crucial part of the relationship between health professionals and patient to provide an atmosphere of trust and best care possible, and has long been written into healthcare contracts.

                                                            BUT

When home carers are given no information about a loved one’s condition or illness, no clues as to how best to respond to behaviour which is a recognised part of that condition, can continuity of best ongoing care be developed?