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Assisting with Personal Care Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all personal care provided to the people we support is safe, dignified, person-centred, and in line with their preferences, needs, and rights. It aims to promote independence, respect, and dignity while meeting all regulatory requirements, including the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.

Our care home is committed to ensuring that:

• Personal care is provided with sensitivity, compassion, and respect.
• Individuals receive support tailored to their specific needs, choices, and cultural preferences.
• Staff adhere to high standards of hygiene, infection control, and safeguarding.
• Personal care is delivered in a way that maintains dignity and independence.
• All personal care procedures comply with CQC regulations and the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All staff responsible for providing personal care.
• Registered Managers, Nominated Individuals, and Key Workers.
• The people we support in our care home setting.
• Advocates, family members, and other professionals involved in personal care planning.

Personal care includes:

• Assistance with washing, bathing, and showering.
• Toileting and continence care.
• Oral hygiene.
• Dressing and undressing.
• Skin care and pressure area management.
• Support with menstruation and intimate hygiene.
• Assistance with mobility during personal care routines.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with the following regulations and guidance:

• Regulation 9: Person-Centred Care – Ensuring care meets individual needs​.
• Regulation 10: Dignity and Respect – Treating people with respect and privacy​.
• Regulation 12: Safe Care and Treatment – Ensuring care is provided safely​.
• Regulation 13: Safeguarding from Abuse and Improper Treatment – Protecting against neglect or harm​.
• Regulation 17: Good Governance – Ensuring robust care planning and monitoring​.
• The Mental Capacity Act 2005 – Ensuring individuals have control over their personal care decisions.

4. Principles of Personal Care Delivery

4.1 Dignity and Respect

• Personal care must be delivered in a private and dignified manner.
• Staff must knock before entering rooms and obtain verbal or non-verbal consent before assisting.
• People we support should be encouraged to perform tasks independently where possible.
• Use gender-sensitive care practices to match staff with individuals’ preferences when possible.

4.2 Individualised Personal Care Plans

• Every person we support will have a detailed Personal Care Plan that includes:
  • Preferences for personal hygiene routines.
  • Cultural and religious considerations.
  • Mobility needs and equipment requirements.
  • Skin care, pressure area prevention, and continence support.
• Plans will be reviewed regularly to reflect any changes in needs or preferences.

4.3 Informed Consent and Mental Capacity

• Staff must always seek consent before providing personal care.
• If a person lacks capacity, decisions must be made in their best interest, following the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
• If a person refuses personal care, staff must document the refusal and attempt alternative approaches.

4.4 Safe and Hygienic Care Practices

• Hand hygiene must be performed before and after each care task.
• PPE (gloves, aprons, and masks if required) must be worn appropriately.
• Bathing and toileting areas must be kept clean and disinfected.
• Regular skin checks should be conducted to identify any issues such as sores or infections.

4.5 Supporting Mobility and Preventing Falls

• Use hoists and mobility aids safely to assist with transfers.
• Staff must be trained in manual handling techniques to avoid injuries.
• Floors should be dry and free from hazards to prevent slips.

4.6 Privacy and Confidentiality

• Personal care discussions must be conducted discreetly.
• Confidential information regarding care preferences must be stored securely.
• Personal hygiene needs should never be discussed inappropriately with third parties.

4.7 Cultural and Religious Sensitivities

• Ensure that cultural preferences for bathing, modesty, and gender of caregiver are respected.
• Provide appropriate hygiene products according to religious requirements.

5. Staff Training and Competency

All staff providing personal care must:

• Complete personal care and dignity training upon induction.
• Receive ongoing safeguarding and infection control training.
• Be trained in manual handling and mobility assistance.
• Understand the Mental Capacity Act and how to obtain consent.
• Demonstrate compassion, respect, and professionalism at all times.

Staff must also report concerns about any changes in the personal care needs of individuals to the Registered Manager.

6. Safeguarding and Reporting Concerns

• Any concerns about neglect, abuse, or improper treatment must be reported immediately to the Safeguarding Lead ({{org_field_safeguarding_lead_name}}).
• If a person regularly refuses personal care, this should be logged and escalated if it poses a risk to their health or dignity.
• Any accidents or injuries during personal care must be documented in an incident report and reported to CQC if required.

7. Monitoring and Compliance

To ensure high standards of personal care, we will:

• Conduct monthly personal care audits to monitor quality.
• Gather feedback from people we support and their families on dignity and care experiences.
• Ensure CQC compliance checks are conducted during internal audits.
• Use supervision and competency assessments to improve staff practices.

8. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

• CH07 – Person-Centred Care Policy
• CH08 – Dignity and Respect Policy
• CH11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy
• CH13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
• CH17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy
• CH18 – Risk Management and Assessment Policy

9. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislative, regulatory, or operational changes occur. The Registered Manager is responsible for ensuring that all staff adhere to the latest guidelines and maintain best practices.

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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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