Compare the ‘professional gift’, ‘empowerment’ and ‘rights’ models of service provision

For this assessment criterion, you will be required to compare the ‘professional gift’, ’empowerment’ and ‘rights’ models of service provision.

Professional gift model of service provision

The professional gift model of service provision is a paternalistic approach to care provision, whereby government collects taxes from the population and it is filtered down to commissioners and care organisations to provide care services. This model has drawbacks in that care provision is usually based on what care providers have available rather than what the individual actually needs. This ‘standardised’ approach to care provision can leave individuals feeling like they are passive recipients of care and that they have lost choice and control within their lives. In recent decades, the UK has begun to move away from the professional gift model by introducing personalisation.

Empowerment model of service provision

The empowerment model of service provision ensures that care recipients are true consumers of care services and can exercise choice and control over their care package. For example, an elderly individual could choose to receive support in their home rather than moving to a care home, or an individual with a physical disability could choose to employ their own care staff, rather than using a care organisation recommended by their local authority.

Rights model of service provision

The rights model of service provision ensures that an individual’s human rights (as stated in the Human Rights Act 1998) are upheld and promoted. This approach can ensure that all individuals receiving care services are treated fairly and that diversity is respected and equality is promoted. This can translate into care services being led by values such as transparent, safe, effective and high quality care.