CHW99-Best Practice in Intimate Personal Care Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Best Practice in Intimate Personal Care Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to set out clear guidelines for the provision of intimate personal care within {{org_field_name}}, ensuring dignity, respect, and safety for all residents. This policy is aligned with the latest Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) regulations, the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, and the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014. By adhering to best practices, we aim to maintain high standards of care while promoting the autonomy, rights, and well-being of our residents.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees at {{org_field_name}}, including full-time, part-time, agency, and temporary care staff involved in providing intimate personal care. It covers the principles of safe and dignified care, training and supervision, infection control, safeguarding, record-keeping, and staff responsibilities. It also ensures that residents receive personalised care that respects their preferences, cultural backgrounds, and individual needs.

3. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside the following:

CHW07 – Person-Centred Care Policy: Ensuring care is tailored to individual needs and preferences.
CHW08 – Dignity and Respect Policy: Upholding dignity in all aspects of care provision.
CHW13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy: Protecting residents from harm and maintaining high care standards.
CHW17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy: Minimising infection risks during personal care procedures.
CHW39 – Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Policy: Ensuring decisions are made in the best interests of residents who lack capacity.

4. Policy Statement

{{org_field_name}} is committed to delivering intimate personal care with sensitivity, dignity, and respect. We ensure that care staff are trained and supported to provide safe, person-centred care that promotes residents’ independence while maintaining hygiene, privacy, and consent at all times. The principles of safeguarding and best practice underpin our approach, ensuring compliance with CIW regulations and maintaining the highest standards of care.

5. Principles of Best Practice in Intimate Personal Care

To ensure excellence in intimate personal care, our staff follow these key principles:

Dignity and Respect: Care is provided with compassion, respecting each resident’s right to privacy and autonomy.
Consent and Choice: Residents are involved in decisions about their personal care. In cases where they lack capacity, best interest decisions are made following legal frameworks.
Infection Prevention and Hygiene: Staff adhere to hand hygiene, glove use, and infection control protocols to ensure cleanliness and safety.
Communication: Staff use clear, reassuring communication, explaining each step of the process before and during care.
Consistency and Continuity: Wherever possible, the same carers provide care to maintain trust and familiarity.

6. Providing Intimate Personal Care Safely and Efficiently

To manage intimate personal care efficiently, {{org_field_name}} implements the following measures:

Person-Centred Care Planning: Each resident’s care plan outlines specific personal care needs, preferences, and any relevant medical conditions.
Privacy Measures: Care is provided in a private setting with doors closed, and only necessary staff are present.
Two-Person Protocol (where required): For residents with mobility challenges or those requiring hoisting, two carers will assist to ensure safety.
Respect for Cultural and Religious Beliefs: Staff are trained to understand and respect different cultural and religious preferences regarding personal care.
Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Staff follow strict infection control measures, including wearing gloves and aprons as needed.
Comfort and Reassurance: Residents are given time, and their emotional well-being is prioritised throughout care procedures.

7. Staff Training and Supervision

All care staff undergo comprehensive training in best practices for intimate personal care, including:

Mandatory Training: Covering dignity, privacy, safeguarding, infection control, and manual handling.
Ongoing Supervision and Competency Checks: Regular assessments ensure staff maintain high standards.
Safeguarding Training: Ensuring staff understand how to identify and report concerns.
Mental Capacity Act Training: Providing staff with knowledge on supporting residents who may lack decision-making capacity.

8. Safeguarding and Reporting Concerns

Staff are trained to recognise and respond to any concerns relating to abuse or poor care standards. Reporting processes include:

Immediate Reporting: Any concerns regarding resident safety or dignity are reported to the Registered Manager immediately.
Whistleblowing Protection: Staff can raise concerns under the Whistleblowing (Speaking Up) Policy without fear of retaliation.
Incident Documentation: Any safeguarding concerns are recorded accurately and investigated promptly.

9. Record-Keeping and Documentation

Accurate record-keeping is essential in ensuring quality personal care. Staff must:

Document Care Provided: All personal care interactions are logged in the resident’s care plan, detailing time, nature of care, and any observations.
Note Changes in Condition: Any changes in skin integrity, hygiene needs, or overall health are reported.
Ensure Confidentiality: Resident records are securely stored and only accessible to authorised personnel.

10. Managing Intimate Personal Care Efficiently

To maintain efficiency while upholding high care standards, {{org_field_name}} employs the following strategies:

Efficient Scheduling: Care schedules are planned to ensure residents receive timely assistance.
Rota Management: Assigning the same carers where possible to build trust and familiarity.
Resident Feedback: Regular feedback sessions to assess and improve care quality.
Emergency Preparedness: Protocols in place for urgent personal care needs, such as continence management.

11. Responsibilities

Care Staff: Responsible for delivering care in line with policy, maintaining dignity, and reporting concerns.
Registered Manager: Ensures staff compliance, provides training, and oversees safeguarding measures.
HR Department: Manages training records and ensures all staff are up to date with required competencies.
Residents and Families: Encouraged to provide feedback to help improve care standards.

12. Compliance with CIW Regulations

This policy ensures adherence to CIW regulations by:

Upholding resident rights to dignity, choice, and independence.
Ensuring infection control and hygiene measures are in place.
Providing clear staff training and supervision to maintain high care standards.
Maintaining comprehensive records to demonstrate compliance and accountability.

13. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or updated in response to legislative changes, CIW requirements, or care home operational needs. Any revisions will be communicated to all staff to ensure continued adherence to best practices.

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.