SL134-Self-Care, Wellbeing, and Personal Treatment Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Self-Care, Wellbeing, and Personal Treatment Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that self-care, wellbeing, and personal treatment are prioritised for both service users and staff within {{org_field_name}}. This policy aligns with CQC regulations, the Health and Social Care Act 2008, the Care Act 2014, and relevant national guidance to promote independence, dignity, and holistic wellbeing.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

All service users receiving supported living care services.
All staff, including permanent, temporary, agency, and volunteer workers.
Relatives, advocates, and external professionals involved in the care and wellbeing of service users.

3. Principles

3.1 Person-Centred Care

Person-centred care ensures that each service user’s preferences, values, and unique circumstances are respected and prioritised. This includes detailed care planning, individualised risk assessments, and collaborative decision-making. Each service user must be fully involved in shaping their own care plan, which should be regularly reviewed to reflect their evolving needs. Staff must be trained in person-centred approaches to ensure that all aspects of care, from daily support to medical treatments, are aligned with the service user’s wishes.

3.2 Promoting Autonomy and Independence

Supported living services should enable individuals to exercise maximum independence in their daily lives. This includes allowing service users to choose their routines, decide on meal preferences, manage aspects of their own medication where appropriate, and engage in household tasks. Staff should provide necessary support without undermining the individual’s autonomy. Occupational therapy assessments and adaptive tools should be offered where appropriate to enhance self-sufficiency.

3.3 Safe Care and Treatment

Ensuring safe care means identifying and mitigating risks associated with self-care activities such as medication, mobility, and personal hygiene. Staff should regularly assess risks, implement preventative strategies, and engage in continuous training on safeguarding, first aid, and emergency response. Care environments should be designed with safety in mind, including slip-resistant flooring, proper lighting, and assistive devices to reduce risks.

4. Managing Self-Care and Wellbeing

4.1 Personal Hygiene and Grooming

Personal hygiene plays a critical role in health and wellbeing. Service users should be encouraged and supported to maintain their preferred hygiene routines. Staff should ensure that individuals have access to clean clothing, bathing facilities, oral care products, and culturally appropriate hygiene items. Assistance must be discreet, dignified, and in line with the individual’s personal preferences. Requests for gender-specific caregivers should be accommodated wherever possible.

4.2 Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

Maintaining mental and emotional wellbeing is as important as physical health. Service users should have access to counselling, therapeutic activities, and peer support groups. Staff must be trained to identify early signs of depression, anxiety, or emotional distress and escalate concerns appropriately. Regular mental health check-ins, facilitated social interactions, and engagement in recreational activities should be encouraged. Personal coping mechanisms, such as music therapy, exercise, or mindfulness, should be incorporated into care plans.

4.3 Nutrition and Hydration

Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for overall wellbeing. Service users should have their dietary preferences and cultural, religious, and medical dietary requirements respected. Care staff should support meal planning, encourage balanced diets, and monitor hydration levels. For individuals with swallowing difficulties, assessments must be conducted to provide suitable alternatives, such as thickened fluids or texture-modified meals.

4.4 Physical Health and Medical Appointments

Service users should be supported in maintaining regular medical check-ups, attending appointments, and managing prescribed treatments. Staff should ensure timely booking of GP, dental, and specialist visits, provide transportation assistance where needed, and communicate medical advice clearly to service users. Preventative health screenings, flu vaccinations, and routine blood tests should be encouraged as part of a proactive healthcare approach.

4.5 Sleep and Rest

Quality sleep is essential for physical and mental health. Care staff should work with service users to establish consistent bedtime routines, reduce disturbances during rest, and create a comfortable sleeping environment. For individuals with sleep disorders, medical referrals should be made where necessary, and non-pharmacological interventions such as relaxation techniques should be encouraged.

5. Wellbeing Support for Staff

5.1 Mental and Physical Wellbeing

The wellbeing of staff is vital to maintaining high-quality care. Staff must have access to mental health resources, stress management workshops, and an employee assistance programme. Workloads should be monitored to prevent burnout, and peer support systems should be encouraged to foster a positive workplace environment. Managers should maintain an open-door policy for concerns regarding mental and emotional health.

5.2 Training and Development

Continuous professional development is key to maintaining high standards of care. Staff must undergo mandatory training on self-care support, mental health awareness, and safeguarding protocols. Additional training should be provided on nutrition, infection control, medication management, and de-escalation techniques. Training records must be maintained and reviewed annually.

5.3 Creating a Positive Workplace Culture

A healthy and inclusive work environment is crucial for staff retention and job satisfaction. Team-building activities, staff recognition programmes, and regular feedback sessions should be implemented. A zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, bullying, and harassment should be enforced to ensure that all staff feel respected and valued.

6. Monitoring and Quality Assurance

Regular audits and staff feedback surveys should be conducted to assess the effectiveness of self-care and wellbeing initiatives.
Service user and family feedback should be gathered through satisfaction surveys and focus groups.
Complaints must be investigated thoroughly and used as learning opportunities to improve services.
CQC inspections and compliance checks will be used to ensure adherence to national regulations and policies.

7. Related Policies

Person-Centred Care Policy
Dignity and Respect Policy
Safe Care and Treatment Policy
Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
Meeting Nutritional and Hydration Needs Policy
Medication Management and Administration Policy
Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Policy
Staff Supervision, Training, and Development Policy

8. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation, CQC regulations, or operational requirements. Any updates will be communicated to staff, service users, and stakeholders to ensure alignment with best practices and compliance standards.

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}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.