CHW48-Handling Service User Belongings and Valuables Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Handling Service User Belongings and Valuables Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish a clear and transparent framework for managing the belongings and valuables of residents at {{org_field_name}}. It ensures that personal possessions are handled with care, respect, and security while safeguarding against loss, damage, or theft. The policy is aligned with the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 and best practice guidance to maintain the dignity, privacy, and rights of all residents.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff members at {{org_field_name}} involved in handling residents’ personal belongings and valuables, including but not limited to clothing, furniture, jewellery, money, and personal documentation. It also extends to families, visitors, and external professionals who may have access to residents’ possessions. The policy covers procedures for recording, storing, returning, and managing lost or unclaimed items.

3. Principles of Handling Belongings and Valuables

Respect and Dignity:

Every resident has the right to retain, use, and access their personal belongings unless specific risk assessments indicate otherwise.
Staff must always handle personal items with care and ensure that residents’ dignity is maintained when dealing with their possessions.

Transparency and Accountability:

A clear record of all valuable items held by the home must be maintained.
Residents and their families must be fully informed about policies relating to belongings and valuables.
Any changes in the status of residents’ belongings must be documented appropriately.

Security and Safeguarding:

Secure storage options must be provided for residents who wish to deposit valuables or important documents.
Staff must follow strict protocols when handling service user money, in compliance with safeguarding and financial regulations.
Any incidents involving lost, damaged, or stolen belongings must be promptly investigated and documented.

4. Procedures for Managing Service User Belongings and Valuables

Recording and Registering Belongings:

Upon admission, a personal inventory of all belongings brought into the care home will be documented and updated regularly.
Valuable items, including jewellery, cash, and important documents, must be recorded separately with consent from the resident or their representative.
Residents or their families will be given a copy of the inventory, and any changes should be noted and signed accordingly.

Storage and Security of Valuables:

Residents will have access to a lockable space in their rooms for personal valuables.
If a resident requests safekeeping of an item, it must be stored in a designated secure location, with restricted access and proper logging procedures.
Any financial transactions or valuables held by the care home must be recorded in compliance with financial safeguarding regulations.

Handling Resident Finances:

Staff must not accept responsibility for managing a resident’s finances unless legally authorised (e.g., Power of Attorney, Court of Protection order).
Where the home is responsible for handling funds, records of all financial transactions must be transparent, accessible, and regularly audited.
Residents must be encouraged to maintain control of their own finances wherever possible, with support as needed.

Returning Belongings When a Resident Leaves or Passes Away:

When a resident is discharged or transferred, their belongings must be checked against their personal inventory and returned in full.
If a resident passes away, belongings must be managed sensitively and in accordance with their recorded wishes or next-of-kin instructions.
Any unclaimed belongings must be stored for a reasonable period and handled in compliance with legal and ethical guidelines.

Reporting Lost, Damaged, or Stolen Items:

If an item is lost or damaged, staff must immediately report it to the Registered Manager and complete an incident report.
Any suspicion of theft must be escalated under the Safeguarding Policy (CHW13), and external authorities must be informed if required.
The care home must take reasonable steps to recover lost items and keep residents informed of the process.

5. Staff Training and Responsibilities

Staff will receive training on handling belongings and valuables, including safeguarding procedures and financial management.
Regular audits and spot checks will be conducted to ensure compliance with this policy.
Staff must understand their duty to respect residents’ property and report any concerns regarding financial abuse or loss.

6. Related Policies

CHW07 – Person-Centred Care Policy
CHW08 – Dignity and Respect Policy
CHW13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
CHW34 – Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy
CHW41 – Managing Service User Finances 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.