DCW99-Best Practice in Intimate Personal Care Policy
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Best Practice in Intimate Personal Care Policy
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all staff at {{org_field_name}} deliver intimate personal care in a manner that is safe, respectful, dignified, and person-centred while maintaining compliance with the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, the Mental Capacity Act 2005, and Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) best practice guidelines.
This policy ensures that intimate personal care is delivered in a way that upholds dignity, privacy, autonomy, and the well-being of service users while safeguarding them from harm, abuse, or improper treatment. Staff must ensure that service users feel safe, comfortable, and in control when receiving personal care and that their individual needs, cultural preferences, and rights are fully respected.
2. Scope
This policy applies to: All care staff responsible for providing intimate personal care to service users. Registered Managers, Care Coordinators, and Responsible Individuals overseeing care quality. Service users receiving personal care and their families or representatives. External professionals involved in personal care planning.
It covers: Principles of dignity and respect in personal care. Individualised care planning and risk assessments. Consent, capacity, and safeguarding considerations. Infection control and hygiene. Supporting independence and choice. Managing cultural and personal preferences. Reporting and escalating concerns. Staff training and competency.
3. Principles of Best Practice in Intimate Personal Care
3.1 Dignity, Respect, and Person-Centred Care
Providing intimate personal care requires a compassionate and respectful approach. Staff must: Ensure that service users feel valued and respected. Encourage independence and choice wherever possible. Communicate with empathy, using reassuring and professional language. Always explain what they are about to do before beginning any task. Work at the service user’s preferred pace and respect their comfort levels.
Care must be tailored to the individual’s needs, preferences, and abilities, ensuring that personal care is not rushed or treated as routine but as a moment of support and respect.
3.2 Individualised Care Planning and Risk Assessment
Each service user must have a detailed, personalised care plan outlining their specific personal care needs, including: The type of assistance required (e.g., washing, toileting, dressing, continence care). The service user’s preferences regarding care delivery (e.g., gender preference of caregiver, bathing vs. showering). Any mobility, sensory, or cognitive impairments that may affect personal care. Identified risks such as falls, skin conditions, or medical needs. Cultural, religious, or personal beliefs that influence care preferences.
Risk assessments must be conducted before providing care and regularly reviewed to ensure safe and appropriate support.
3.3 Consent, Capacity, and Safeguarding
Personal care must be provided only with informed consent, in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014. Staff must: Seek verbal or non-verbal consent before beginning any personal care task. Ensure that service users understand the care being provided and have the opportunity to refuse or request adjustments. Respect service users’ choices, even if they decline personal care, and report any refusals that could pose a risk to their well-being.
If a service user lacks capacity to make decisions about their personal care, staff must: Follow a best-interest decision-making process, involving family members, advocates, and healthcare professionals where necessary. Ensure that decisions align with the service user’s known preferences and prior wishes. Follow legal frameworks such as Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) where applicable.
If staff have any concerns about abuse, neglect, or improper treatment during personal care, they must immediately report it in line with the Safeguarding Policy (DCW13).
3.4 Infection Control and Hygiene
Maintaining high standards of infection prevention and control is essential when providing personal care. Staff must: Follow handwashing and sanitisation protocols before and after care tasks. Use disposable gloves and aprons where necessary, disposing of them safely after each use. Ensure that wash areas, towels, and hygiene products are clean and suitable for use. Use safe handling techniques for continence products and waste disposal.
All infection control procedures must comply with the Infection Prevention and Control Policy (DCW17) and Public Health Wales guidelines.
3.5 Supporting Independence and Choice
Wherever possible, service users should be encouraged to participate in their personal care rather than being completely dependent on care staff. This may include: Providing verbal guidance while allowing the service user to complete tasks independently. Using adaptive equipment such as grab rails or bathing chairs. Allowing service users to choose their own clothing, toiletries, and hygiene routine. Respecting personal habits and preferences, such as the time they wish to bathe.
Staff must always encourage autonomy while ensuring safety and well-being.
3.6 Cultural, Religious, and Personal Preferences
Staff must be sensitive to the diverse needs of service users and respect cultural, religious, and personal beliefs that impact personal care. This includes: Being aware of religious considerations regarding nudity and same-gender care. Respecting personal grooming preferences, such as beard care or hair covering. Using preferred toiletries or skincare products where possible. Understanding modesty requirements and adjusting care accordingly.
Where possible, service users should be supported to express their preferences openly and have them reflected in their care plan.
3.7 Reporting and Escalating Concerns
If staff encounter any issues or concerns during personal care, they must document and report them immediately. This includes: Changes in skin condition (e.g., pressure sores, rashes, infections). Bruising, unexplained injuries, or signs of neglect. Concerns about the service user’s physical or emotional well-being. Repeated refusals of personal care that may impact health.
Concerns must be recorded in the service user’s care plan and escalated to the Registered Manager or Safeguarding Lead for appropriate action.
3.8 Staff Training and Competency in Personal Care
To ensure high standards of care, all staff must receive comprehensive training in: Best practices for personal care and hygiene. Safeguarding procedures and recognising signs of abuse. Infection prevention and safe handling of bodily fluids. Supporting individuals with mobility impairments during personal care. Communication skills to enhance dignity and trust. Managing continence care and appropriate disposal of waste.
Staff competencies should be regularly assessed, and refresher training should be provided annually to maintain high standards of personal care practice.
4. Efficiency in Managing Intimate Personal Care
To ensure efficient and high-quality personal care, {{org_field_name}} implements: Digital care planning, ensuring real-time updates and accurate documentation of service users’ needs. Regular quality audits, monitoring care delivery and compliance with best practices. Clear staff protocols, ensuring consistency and accountability in personal care provision. Ongoing professional development, keeping staff trained in evolving care standards. Feedback mechanisms, enabling service users and families to report concerns or suggest improvements.
These measures ensure that personal care is delivered professionally, efficiently, and in full compliance with CIW regulations, safeguarding the dignity, well-being, and rights of service users.
5. Related Policies
This policy should be read alongside: Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy (DCW13), Infection Prevention and Control Policy (DCW17), Risk Management and Assessment Policy (DCW18), Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Policy (DCW39), Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy (DCW30).
6. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if legislative or regulatory changes occur, ensuring continuous compliance with best practice standards.
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}}
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