FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is Humanitude ?
Humanitude is a care methodology, developed by Yves Gineste and Rosete Marescotti, since 1979. It combines a philosophy of care with care techniques which enable both caregivers and people cared for to feel safe, comfortable and dignified during care.
How does it work ?
Humanitude is developed through vast empirical caregiving knowledge allied with an evidence-based approach. Although care is often associated with illness, loss, dependency, caring is a characteristic of human beings (we care for ourselves, we care for our own, we care for each other).
So, Humanitude aims to bring care back to basics, to the simple things, the importante details, to reinforce the focus on a positive relationship during care, on the emotional connection between the caregiver and the person cared for, and promote a pleasant environment during the care. For that we offer a number of service, from highly effective training programs and tailored consultancy services for families and healthcare organizations.
Are we talking about kindness and vocation ?
To care with Humanitude is a care competency, with a required set of skills, that can be learned, trained, perfected and monitored with evidence based tools.
These skills are rarely innate. They can be improved through a practical hands-on training. To provide a humane care, a dignifying care, it cannot be left to chance, or luck. It’s an intentionality and a competency. For that we all must learn, develop and improve our caregiving skills, our Humanitude skills.
How is that different from person centered care ?
Humanitude is the cherry on top of person centered care, the much awaited 2.0 version. One of its standout points is its applicability, based on caregiving practices. Having specific techniques, Humanitude can be taught fairly quickly and caregivers can, on an effective manner, improve their quality of care and improve their results.
With a positive emotional connection through the Humanitude pillars: Gaze, Speech, Touch and Verticality, caregivers can learn how to gaze, how to talk, how to touch and how to mobilize a person in a much more comfortable, safe and efficient manner. Another point of complementarity is that Humanitude is also focused on the wellbeing of caregivers.
It’s not possible to provide excellent care if the caregiver doesn’t feel safe, comfortable and dignified. Therefore Humanitude isn’t Person Centered, but Relationship Centered. Humanitude promotes a positive relationship between the person providing care and the person receiving care, for the benefit of both, through a systematic, empirical and evidence based hands-on approach.
Does it take more resources ?
No. From our experience, the challenge, most of the times, is not related to resources, but to the change of practices. In other words, it is very rare to have a need for resources (human or material), but it is necessary to review caregiving practices, adjust routines and change habits, which do not correspond to the expectations of the people cared for, the caregivers, nor the organization.
How long does it take to get results ?
There are immediate results associated with training, such as the reduction of refusal of care. However, there are results in the medium to long term, such as the reduction of functional dependence, restraints, occupational injuries.
These results come from the continued use of Humanitude care, by the whole team. That is why we recommend that 75% to 100% of caregivers should be trained in Humanitude. As the results are associated with the change, the time they take to surface may be influenced by the size of the organization, the number of caregivers, and the team’s resistance to change.
In which organization is it possible to implement Humanitude ?
Humanitude has already been implemented and obtained results in the most varied types of social and healthcare services, from Operating Theaters to Day Care Centers. Our main focus of intervention is in Residential Homes, Day Care Centers, Homecare Services, Hospitals and Care communities.
However, we have been challenged by other organizations to help them improve the quality of their relationship with clients, family members or among colleagues. We can certainly say that any organization will have all the conditions to benefit from Humanitude.
How is Humanitude implemented in an organization ?
Mostly through training and consultancy services. Our services are tailored to the needs of each client. Therefore, please get in touch with us and we will let you know how we can work together. Through a variety of validated solutions, we are certain to have the right one for you (B-learning, Action-Training,…).
How much does it cost to implement Humanitude ?
We suggest you to contact us for a customized plan design and personalized budget.
It is known that Humanitude is associated with important health gains, such as the reduction of sick leave rates due to occupational injuries, staff turn over, the reduction of functional dependence, falls, and restraints. That is why Humanitude training and implementation is an investment with a high social return on investment (each 1 US$ invested has a social return of 4.79 US$).
In terms of cost-effectiveness, it’s one of the best healthcare trainings available. This is proven by research and the awards given by governments and universities worldwide. How much is quality of care worth? Too much to be left out of the strategic plan of any health organization of tomorrow.
How can I get Humanitude training ?
Humanitude training is aimed mainly at healthcare organizations. Mostly, we provide action training sessions to groups of 10-12 people. With a hands-on training, we provide care to selected patients in order to improve the quality of care using Humanitude techniques and the resources available within the organization.
Perhaps you could encourage your work place to organize a Training session. Or perhaps you can challenge a care unit near you to organize a Training session and join in.
I'm struggling as a caregiver because the person I care for is refusing care and becoming combative towards me. Can you help me?
Even though each person is unique, our team is very experienced and competent in such cases and very likely will be able to provide you with non-pharmacological solutions to promote your wellbeing. Contact us if you require our assistance and we thank you for reaching out.
Can my organization be Humanitude labelled ?
If there’s a will, there’s a way. Our Humanitude referential consists of criteria and requirements that need to be evidenced on an audit. Humanitude label is a prestigious recognition of quality of care, which is only available to the top healthcare organizations in the world. Are you up for the challenge? If so, please contact us.