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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Best Practice in Intimate Personal Care Policy

1. Purpose This policy outlines {{org_field_name}}’s commitment to providing intimate personal care with dignity, respect, and sensitivity while ensuring compliance with CQC regulations, the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, and Regulation 10 – Dignity and Respect. The policy ensures that all personal care is delivered in a manner that promotes independence, privacy, and well-being for the people we support.

2. Scope This policy applies to all staff involved in the provision of intimate personal care at {{org_field_name}}, including nurses, care assistants, and support staff. It covers all aspects of personal care, including washing, dressing, toileting, continence care, and menstrual care, ensuring best practices are followed to uphold dignity and safety.

3. Principles of Best Practice in Intimate Personal Care

• Dignity and Respect: All personal care must be delivered with respect for the individual’s preferences, privacy, and cultural beliefs.
• Person-Centred Care: Care should be tailored to each individual’s needs, preferences, and comfort levels.
• Consent and Choice: Individuals must be involved in decisions about their care and given choices wherever possible.
• Privacy and Confidentiality: Care must be provided in a discreet manner, ensuring individuals feel safe and respected.
• Safeguarding and Safety: Staff must remain vigilant for any safeguarding concerns and follow proper protocols to protect individuals.
• Infection Prevention and Hygiene: Proper hygiene and infection control procedures must be maintained at all times.

4. Providing Intimate Personal Care Safely and Respectfully

• Gaining Consent:
  • Always explain the procedure before commencing care.
  • Obtain verbal or written consent and ensure the individual understands what is happening.
  • If the individual lacks capacity, follow the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and act in their best interests.
• Maintaining Privacy and Dignity:
  • Close doors, curtains, or screens before providing care.
  • Use towels or blankets to cover exposed areas where possible.
  • Always knock and seek permission before entering a private space.
• Supporting Independence:
  • Encourage individuals to participate in their care where possible.
  • Provide adaptive equipment to enhance independence.
• Gender Preferences:
  • Wherever possible, allow individuals to choose the gender of their carer.
  • Consider cultural and religious sensitivities regarding personal care.
• Communication:
  • Speak reassuringly and respectfully throughout personal care.
  • Listen to concerns and adapt care to individual preferences.
  • Use non-verbal communication aids if needed.

5. Specific Areas of Intimate Personal Care

• Washing and Bathing:
  • Ensure water temperature is comfortable and safe.
  • Support individuals in washing areas they are unable to reach.
  • Dry skin thoroughly to prevent infections or pressure sores.
• Toileting and Continence Care:
  • Support individuals discreetly and respectfully with toileting needs.
  • Promptly change soiled continence aids while maintaining dignity.
  • Regularly check for skin integrity issues, such as rashes or pressure ulcers.
• Menstrual Care:
  • Provide menstrual hygiene products in a respectful manner.
  • Support individuals in maintaining comfort and hygiene.
• Catheter and Stoma Care:
  • Follow medical guidance for cleaning and changing devices.
  • Ensure that individuals are comfortable and pain-free during care.
• Dressing and Undressing:
  • Encourage individuals to choose their own clothing.
  • Support dressing with minimal intrusion and maximum comfort.

6. Safeguarding and Recognising Abuse

• Preventing Abuse:
  • Staff must never provide personal care without consent.
  • Care must never be rushed, rough, or dismissive.
• Recognising Signs of Abuse:
  • Unexplained bruising, injuries, or distress during personal care.
  • Reluctance or fear of being cared for by specific staff members.
  • Any concerns must be reported immediately following CH13-Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy.
• Reporting Abuse:
  • Verbally report the concern immediately to a staff member.
  • Send an email detailing the concern to the Registered Manager at: {{org_field_registered_manager_email}}.
  • Call the office to inform the Registered Manager or Safeguarding Lead at {{org_field_phone_no}}.
  • If the concern arises out of office hours, call the out-of-hours phone number: {{out_of_hours}}.

7. Infection Prevention and Control in Personal Care

• Hand Hygiene:
  • Wash hands thoroughly before and after providing care.
  • Use gloves and aprons as per CH17-Infection Prevention and Control Policy.
• Disposal of Waste:
  • Dispose of continence products and personal hygiene waste appropriately.
  • Follow hazardous waste disposal guidelines to maintain hygiene.
• Cleaning and Decontamination:
  • Regularly clean and disinfect bathrooms and personal care equipment.
  • Launder towels, washcloths, and clothing at appropriate temperatures.

8. Staff Training and Competency

• Mandatory Training:
  • All staff must complete personal care training before providing care.
  • Annual refresher courses on dignity, safeguarding, and infection control.
• Competency Assessments:
  • Regular competency checks to ensure staff provide care to a high standard.
• Supervision and Support:
  • Senior staff must provide support and feedback to staff providing intimate care.
  • A clear escalation process for any concerns related to personal care delivery.

9. Documentation and Record-Keeping

• Care Plans:
  • Every individual must have a detailed personal care plan outlining preferences, needs, and risk assessments.
• Daily Logs:
  • Personal care provided must be recorded to ensure continuity of care.
  • Any concerns such as skin breakdown or changes in health must be documented and escalated.
• Incident Reporting:
  • Any safeguarding concerns must be reported in line with CQC statutory requirements and CH25-Notification of Other Incidents Policy.

10. Family and People We Support Involvement

• Respecting Family Wishes:
  • Families and representatives should be involved in care planning where appropriate.
  • Consideration of cultural and personal preferences should be recorded.
• Encouraging Open Communication:
  • People we support must feel comfortable discussing their personal care needs.
  • Regular feedback should be encouraged to improve care quality.

11. Related Policies

• CH08-Dignity and Respect Policy
• CH07-Person-Centred Care Policy
• CH13-Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
• CH17-Infection Prevention and Control Policy
• CH18-Risk Management and Assessment Policy
• CH27-Staff Supervision, Training, and Development Policy

12. Policy Review

• This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if new CQC regulations or best practice guidelines emerge.
• Amendments will be made to ensure continued compliance with regulatory and clinical best practices.
• Feedback from staff and the people we support will be incorporated into the review process.

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