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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Assisting with Personal Care Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all personal care provided within {{org_field_name}} is delivered with dignity, respect, and sensitivity while upholding service users’ rights, choices, and independence. This policy establishes the framework for delivering personal care in compliance with Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards, the Care Act 2014, and best practices in health and social care.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All domiciliary care staff, including care workers, coordinators, and managers.
• Service users receiving personal care services.
• Families and representatives involved in care planning and decision-making.
• Regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance with statutory and ethical standards.

It covers:

• Definition and principles of personal care.
• Service user consent and choice.
• Safe and respectful personal care practices.
• Infection prevention and hygiene.
• Training and staff competency.
• Monitoring and continuous improvement.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with:

• Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 – Ensuring safe and high-quality care.
• Care Act 2014 – Promoting person-centred care and individual rights.
• Mental Capacity Act 2005 – Supporting decision-making for individuals lacking capacity.
• Equality Act 2010 – Preventing discrimination and ensuring inclusive care.
• CQC Regulation 9 (Person-Centred Care), Regulation 10 (Dignity and Respect), and Regulation 11 (Need for Consent).

4. Definition and Principles of Personal Care

Personal care includes assisting service users with activities of daily living such as:

• Personal hygiene – Washing, bathing, oral care, shaving, and grooming.
• Dressing and undressing – Supporting service users to choose and wear appropriate clothing.
• Toileting support – Assistance with continence care, catheter/stoma care, and use of mobility aids.
• Assistance with eating and drinking – Encouraging adequate nutrition and hydration.
• Medication support – Assisting with medication where authorised.

Key principles:

• Dignity and Respect – Ensuring service users’ privacy and treating them with sensitivity.
• Independence and Empowerment – Encouraging self-care where possible.
• Personal Choice – Honouring service users’ preferences, routines, and cultural/religious beliefs.
• Safety and Comfort – Adhering to best practices for hygiene, positioning, and risk management.

5. Service User Consent and Choice

All personal care must be delivered with explicit, informed consent. Our approach includes:

• Seeking consent before each care intervention.
• Respecting service users’ right to refuse assistance.
• Ensuring decisions align with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 for those unable to consent.
• Documenting all consent discussions and preferences in the care plan.

6. Safe and Respectful Personal Care Practices

To ensure safety and dignity, care workers must:

• Respect service users’ privacy by using screens, closing doors, and covering exposed areas.
• Maintain hygiene and infection control – Using gloves, aprons, and following hand hygiene protocols.
• Use appropriate manual handling techniques – Avoiding undue discomfort or risk of injury.
• Communicate clearly and sensitively – Explaining each step of the process and ensuring comfort.
• Encourage autonomy – Allowing service users to participate as much as possible.

7. Infection Prevention and Hygiene

Hygiene standards must be maintained through:

• Use of PPE (personal protective equipment) – Gloves, aprons, and masks where required.
• Frequent handwashing and sanitisation before and after care tasks.
• Proper disposal of waste materials including incontinence pads, gloves, and wipes.
• Adherence to infection control policies, especially for service users with specific health conditions.

8. Training and Staff Competency

All staff assisting with personal care must:

• Complete mandatory training in personal care, infection control, and dignity in care.
• Receive refresher training on an annual basis or as needed.
• Be observed and assessed regularly to ensure competence and adherence to best practices.

9. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

To maintain high standards of care:

• Care plans are reviewed regularly to align with changing needs.
• Supervisory visits and spot checks ensure compliance with best practices.
• Service user feedback is actively sought to improve care quality.
• Incident reporting and investigations help to identify and address any concerns.

10. Policy Review and Updates

This policy is reviewed annually or when:

• Regulatory changes require amendments.
• Feedback from service users, families, or staff suggests improvements.

Best practices evolve, requiring updated procedures.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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