CHW40-Assisting with Personal Care Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Assisting with Personal Care Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all individuals receiving personal care in our care home are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. This policy provides clear guidance to our staff on how to assist residents efficiently while adhering to regulatory requirements and best practices. It aligns with the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 and ensures that personal care is delivered in a manner that promotes individual choice, independence, and well-being. It also seeks to uphold residents’ rights by ensuring they receive care that is safe, effective, and meets their individual needs.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff members involved in providing personal care to residents within {{org_field_name}}. It covers all aspects of personal care, including but not limited to, assistance with washing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and oral hygiene. This policy also ensures compliance with safeguarding and infection control requirements. It extends to all settings within the care home, including residents’ private rooms and communal areas where assistance may be needed. It applies to both planned care interventions and responses to emergency personal care needs.

3. Principles of Personal Care Assistance

Dignity and Respect: All personal care must be delivered in a manner that upholds the dignity, privacy, and preferences of each individual. Staff must communicate respectfully and involve residents in their own care as much as possible. This includes knocking before entering rooms, explaining procedures beforehand, and providing reassurance during personal care activities.

Person-Centred Care: Each resident’s personal plan will outline their preferences and specific care needs. Staff must follow these guidelines, ensuring that care is tailored to individual requirements, including cultural, religious, and personal beliefs. This approach ensures that residents feel valued and in control of their personal care routines.

Consent and Choice: Residents must give informed consent before any personal care is provided. Where a resident lacks mental capacity, the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) must be followed. Staff must communicate choices clearly and respect residents’ decisions regarding their own care whenever possible.

Promoting Independence: Staff must encourage residents to participate in their personal care to the best of their abilities, supporting their independence while ensuring safety and well-being. This may involve adaptive equipment, verbal prompting, or minimal assistance to empower residents to maintain their daily routines.

Safeguarding and Protection from Abuse: Personal care assistance must be provided in a manner that is free from harm, abuse, or neglect. Any concerns about safeguarding must be reported immediately following the Safeguarding Policy (CHW13). Staff must be vigilant in identifying any signs of distress, discomfort, or potential abuse.

Infection Prevention and Control: Staff must adhere to strict hygiene protocols, including handwashing, the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), and proper cleaning of equipment to prevent the spread of infection. Compliance with the Infection Prevention and Control Policy (CHW17) is mandatory. Waste disposal and laundry procedures must also follow best practice guidelines.

Confidentiality and Respect for Privacy: Residents have the right to privacy during personal care. Staff should ensure that doors are closed, curtains are drawn, and appropriate communication is used to maintain discretion. Any personal information must be handled in line with the Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy (CHW34). Confidentiality must be maintained in discussions between staff members and when recording personal care notes.

4. Procedures for Providing Personal Care

Assessment and Planning:

Each resident will have a personal care plan, reviewed regularly, detailing their specific needs and preferences.
The resident, their family (where appropriate), and health professionals may contribute to this plan.
Any changes in care needs must be reported and updated in their care plan.
Staff must be aware of any risks associated with personal care, including mobility concerns and medical conditions.

Assisting with Washing and Bathing:

Ensure the water temperature is safe and comfortable.
Respect the resident’s preference for bathing, showering, or bed baths.
Provide appropriate support based on mobility and ability while encouraging independence.
Use gentle and respectful communication throughout the process.
Offer assistance discreetly while allowing the resident as much autonomy as possible.

Assisting with Dressing and Grooming:

Offer residents a choice of clothing suitable for the weather and their comfort.
Support residents in styling their hair, shaving, and other grooming tasks as per their preference.
Encourage residents to engage in grooming to maintain their sense of self-esteem and identity.
Ensure that clothing is clean, comfortable, and appropriate for the resident’s activities and preferences.

Toileting and Continence Support:

Ensure the environment is safe, private, and dignified.
Respect residents’ continence preferences and support them with prescribed continence products.
Promptly and discreetly assist residents with cleaning and changing to maintain hygiene and comfort.
Monitor and report any changes in toileting habits that may indicate health concerns.
Encourage residents to maintain hydration and a healthy diet to support continence management.

Oral Hygiene Assistance:

Encourage residents to brush their teeth or dentures regularly.
Assist with oral care when necessary, using a gentle approach.
Report any dental concerns to health professionals.
Ensure residents have access to suitable oral hygiene products, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, and denture care solutions.

5. Staff Training and Responsibilities

All staff involved in personal care must complete mandatory training on dignity, safeguarding, infection control, and person-centred care.
Ongoing refresher training will be provided to ensure staff remain competent.
Supervision and audits will be carried out to monitor compliance with this policy.
Staff must be familiar with individual residents’ care plans and any updates or changes.

6. Related Policies

CHW07 – Person-Centred Care Policy
CHW08 – Dignity and Respect Policy
CHW09 – Consent to Care Policy
CHW13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
CHW17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy
CHW34 – Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy
CHW36 – Initial Assessment and Care Planning Policy

7. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to changes in legislation, regulatory requirements, or organisational needs. Feedback from staff, residents, and their families will be used to enhance the policy where necessary.

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.