CHW215-Peoples Personal Belongings Policy
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{{org_field_name}}
Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}
People’s Personal Belongings Policy
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to outline the approach of {{org_field_name}} in ensuring the safe management, respect, and protection of residents’ personal belongings. This policy aligns with Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) regulations and supports the rights of individuals to retain, use, and personalise their belongings within the care home. It also ensures that all personal items are handled in a way that maintains dignity, promotes a homely environment, and minimises the risk of loss or damage.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all residents, their families, staff members, agency workers, and contractors at {{org_field_name}}. It covers the registration, storage, security, maintenance, and disposal of personal items, ensuring that residents’ property is safeguarded and respected at all times.
3. Principles of Managing Personal Belongings
{{org_field_name}} is committed to upholding the following principles in managing residents’ personal belongings:
- Respect and dignity: Residents have the right to keep and use personal items that provide comfort and a sense of identity.
- Ownership and autonomy: Residents maintain full ownership of their personal belongings and have the freedom to access and use them as they wish.
- Security and protection: The care home has a duty to protect residents’ possessions from loss, theft, or damage.
- Personalisation of space: Residents should be encouraged to bring personal items into their rooms to create a familiar and comfortable environment.
- Fair and transparent processes: Procedures for recording, safeguarding, and replacing lost or damaged items must be clear and accessible.
4. Managing Personal Belongings
4.1 Inventory and Recording Personal Belongings
Upon admission, all residents will be supported in completing a Personal Belongings Inventory, which will be recorded, updated, and reviewed as necessary. The inventory will include:
- A detailed list of valuable items such as jewellery, electronics, and sentimental possessions.
- Photographs of high-value or sentimental items where appropriate.
- The resident’s preferences regarding the use and storage of their belongings.
The inventory will be reviewed at least quarterly or when a resident acquires new personal belongings.
4.2 Safe Storage and Security of Belongings
Residents will be encouraged to keep their belongings in their rooms. Lockable storage is available upon request to safeguard valuables. Residents with larger amounts of cash or valuable items will be advised to store them securely, with access to the Registered Manager if necessary. {{org_field_name}} provides a secure storage facility for items that require additional protection, and residents or their representatives will be required to sign an agreement outlining terms of use.
4.3 Responsibility for Personal Items
Residents and their families are responsible for ensuring their belongings are appropriately labelled to prevent loss. Staff will take reasonable steps to protect items from accidental damage but will not be held liable for lost or damaged personal items unless negligence is proven.
Residents should be made aware that:
- The care home is not responsible for replacing lost items unless there is evidence of staff misconduct.
- Items of high value should be insured independently.
- Any concerns about missing or damaged items should be reported immediately.
4.4 Handling of Laundry and Clothing
All clothing should be clearly labelled with the resident’s name to prevent misplacement. {{org_field_name}} will take appropriate care when laundering residents’ clothing, using gentle washing methods whenever possible. However, some delicate fabrics or specialist garments may require external cleaning at the resident’s or their representative’s expense.
4.5 Managing Lost or Damaged Items
If an item is lost or damaged, the following steps will be taken:
- Immediate reporting: The loss or damage must be reported to staff as soon as it is noticed.
- Investigation: A review will be conducted to determine how the item was lost or damaged, including checking the resident’s inventory and speaking with relevant staff.
- Resolution: If the loss or damage is due to staff error, {{org_field_name}} will assess the need for compensation or replacement.
- Prevention measures: Staff will review procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Residents and families will be kept informed throughout the investigation process, and any disputes will be handled in accordance with the Receiving and Acting on Complaints Policy (CHW14).
4.6 Use of Electrical Appliances and Personal Equipment
Residents are welcome to bring small electrical appliances, such as radios, televisions, and kettles, into their rooms. However, all electrical items must be PAT tested by the maintenance team before use to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Any faulty or unsafe equipment will be removed and discussed with the resident or their representative.
4.7 Personal Belongings for Residents Lacking Capacity
For residents who lack capacity, decisions regarding their personal belongings must be made in their best interests following the Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Policy (CHW39). Family members or legal representatives will be consulted before any significant decisions are made about the removal, disposal, or security of personal items.
4.8 End of Residency – Handling of Personal Belongings
When a resident moves out or passes away, their personal belongings must be handled with sensitivity and care. The next of kin or authorised representative will be contacted to arrange for collection. A full inventory check will be conducted, and a Property Release Form must be signed upon collection. If items remain unclaimed after a set period (e.g., six weeks), they will be stored securely or disposed of respectfully, following legal requirements.
4.9 Preventing and Reporting Theft or Misuse
Staff must report any suspicions of theft or misuse of residents’ belongings immediately to the Registered Manager. Any allegations will be investigated under the Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy (CHW13), and appropriate actions will be taken, including reporting to {{org_field_local_authority_authority_name}} if necessary.
5. Communicating the Policy to Residents and Families
Residents and their families will receive information about this policy upon admission and will be encouraged to discuss any concerns with staff. The policy will also be displayed in communal areas and made available upon request. Regular resident meetings will provide an opportunity for feedback and discussion on how personal belongings are managed.
6. Related Policies
This policy should be read in conjunction with:
- Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy (CHW13) to ensure protection from financial or material abuse.
- Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Policy (CHW39) for decision-making on behalf of residents lacking capacity.
- Receiving and Acting on Complaints Policy (CHW14) for procedures on disputes regarding lost or damaged belongings.
- Health and Safety at Work Policy (CHW16) to ensure the safety of electrical appliances used by residents.
- Risk Management and Assessment Policy (CHW18) to manage potential risks associated with personal belongings.
7. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if changes in legislation, regulatory requirements, or operational needs occur. Any updates will be communicated to staff and residents, ensuring compliance with CIW standards. Staff will receive regular training to ensure best practices are followed in managing residents’ personal belongings.
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.