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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Assisting with Personal Care Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide clear guidance on assisting service users with personal care in a manner that maintains dignity, privacy, respect, and independence. {{org_field_name}} is committed to ensuring that all personal care assistance is delivered safely, professionally, and in line with regulatory and legal requirements.

This policy is aligned with:

• The Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 – Sets out the responsibilities of care providers in delivering high-quality, regulated personal care【32】.
• Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 – Emphasises a person-centred approach, empowering individuals to exercise choice and control over their care.
• Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) Regulations – Requires that regulated care providers uphold high standards of personal care, safeguarding, and hygiene【35】.
• The Health and Social Care (Quality and Engagement) (Wales) Act 2020 – Ensures accountability and continuous improvement in care services.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All employees providing personal care support at {{org_field_name}}.
• Service users receiving personal care as part of their care package.
• External professionals, family members, and advocates involved in care provision.

It covers:

• Defining personal care and the principles of care delivery.
• Legal and regulatory compliance.
• Dignity, privacy, and respect in personal care.
• Specific assistance with personal care tasks.
• Infection prevention and control.
• Risk assessment and safeguarding measures.
• Training and competency standards.

3. Defining Personal Care

Personal care includes, but is not limited to:

• Assistance with washing, bathing, or showering.
• Support with toileting, continence care, and catheter management.
• Oral hygiene support.
• Assisting with dressing and undressing.
• Skin care, shaving, and hair care.
• Support with menstrual care.

Personal care must be provided with consent, dignity, and respect, ensuring service users feel comfortable and in control of their care.

4. Principles of Assisting with Personal Care

4.1 Dignity, Privacy, and Respect

• Service users must always be treated with dignity, ensuring their rights, choices, and independence are respected.
• Staff should encourage service users to do as much as they can independently, providing support only where needed.
• Privacy should be maintained by closing doors, using appropriate covers, and ensuring only those required are present.

4.2 Person-Centred Care and Choice

• Personal care must be tailored to each service user’s individual needs and preferences, as outlined in their care plan.
• Staff must seek consent before providing any personal care and respect the service user’s right to refuse assistance.
• Cultural, religious, and gender preferences must be accommodated whenever possible (e.g., same-gender carers for personal care).

5. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

To ensure compliance with CIW regulations, {{org_field_name}} commits to:

• Delivering personal care in line with best practices and legislation governing safeguarding and hygiene.
• Ensuring all staff are trained and competent before delivering personal care.
• Conducting risk assessments to protect both service users and staff from harm.
• Maintaining clear and accurate records of personal care tasks performed.

6. Assisting with Specific Personal Care Tasks

6.1 Washing, Bathing, and Showering

• Encourage service users to wash independently where possible.
• Support service users by providing stability, adjusting water temperature, and ensuring slip-resistant surfaces.
• Use sensitive, non-intrusive communication to reassure service users who feel vulnerable.

6.2 Toileting and Continence Care

• Maintain privacy and dignity by ensuring service users are comfortable before assisting.
• Provide discreet support with continence pads, commodes, and catheters where required.
• Staff must wear gloves and follow infection control procedures when handling bodily fluids.

6.3 Oral Hygiene

• Encourage independent brushing where possible.
• Support service users with denture cleaning, mouthwash use, and hydration.
• Identify and report signs of dental issues to family members or medical professionals.

6.4 Dressing and Undressing

• Offer choice in clothing selection to promote independence.
• Ensure the environment is warm and comfortable to maintain dignity.
• Support dressing in a gentle, non-restrictive manner, being mindful of any mobility limitations.

6.5 Skin Care and Grooming

• Assist with moisturising skin to prevent dryness.
• Support with shaving, hair washing, and nail trimming, respecting personal preferences.
• Observe and report any signs of pressure sores, bruising, or rashes.

7. Infection Prevention and Control

• Hand hygiene must be performed before and after assisting with personal care.
• Disposable gloves and aprons must be used when assisting with toileting, wound care, or other intimate tasks.
• All equipment (e.g., razors, hairbrushes) must be service user-specific and cleaned appropriately.
• Follow the Infection Prevention and Control Policy (DCW17) for full hygiene measures.

8. Risk Assessment and Safeguarding Measures

8.1 Identifying and Managing Risks

• Initial risk assessments must be carried out for all service users requiring personal care.
• Risk assessments should cover:
  • Mobility limitations and the need for hoists or grab rails.
  • Medical conditions impacting personal care needs (e.g., dementia, stroke recovery).
  • Signs of neglect, abuse, or self-neglect.

8.2 Safeguarding Vulnerable Individuals

• Staff must remain alert to any safeguarding concerns and report issues immediately to the Safeguarding Lead: {{org_field_safeguarding_lead_name}} ({{org_field_safeguarding_lead_role}}).
• Any signs of unexplained bruising, distress, or reluctance to receive care must be recorded and escalated following the Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy (DCW13).
• Care plans must be adjusted if a service user’s condition changes and their needs increase.

9. Training and Competency Requirements

• All new staff must complete training on assisting with personal care before providing support.
• Ongoing refresher training is provided annually, covering:
  • Best practices for dignity and respect.
  • Infection prevention and control measures.
  • Recognising and reporting safeguarding concerns.
  • Handling sensitive situations professionally.
• Competency assessments are conducted regularly to ensure staff uphold care quality standards.

10. Documentation and Record-Keeping

• Staff must document all personal care tasks provided, ensuring accuracy and transparency.
• Any concerns, refusals of care, or changes in condition must be recorded and reported.
• Records should be stored securely in compliance with the Confidentiality and Data Protection (GDPR) Policy (DCW34).

11. Monitoring and Compliance

• The Registered Manager will oversee compliance with this policy.
• Regular audits and spot checks will be conducted to assess care quality and adherence to regulations.
• CIW will evaluate personal care practices during inspections.

12. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

• Dignity and Respect Policy (DCW08)
• Infection Prevention and Control Policy (DCW17)
• Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy (DCW13)
• Confidentiality and Data Protection (GDPR) Policy (DCW34)

13. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required by legislative updates, CIW guidance, or operational needs.

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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.