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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Self-Care, Wellbeing, and Personal Treatment Policy

1. Purpose

This policy outlines the approach taken by {{org_field_name}} to support, promote, and respect the self-care, wellbeing, and personal treatment choices of the people we support. It ensures that every individual receives the necessary assistance to maintain personal hygiene, grooming, skincare, and other self-care activities while preserving their dignity, choice, and independence.

The key objectives of this policy are to:

• Promote autonomy by enabling individuals to maintain control over their self-care routines.
• Support personal wellbeing, ensuring all care interventions align with personal preferences and cultural beliefs.
• Safeguard dignity and respect when providing intimate or personal support.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with Care Inspectorate Scotland, SSSC Codes of Practice, and the National Care Standards for Care at Home.
• Provide clear guidance to staff on how to assist individuals with self-care while respecting their rights and preferences.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All care staff providing support with self-care and personal treatment.
• All people we support who require assistance with hygiene, grooming, and other self-care activities.
• Relatives, advocates, and healthcare professionals involved in supporting personal wellbeing.
• Management and external regulators, including the Care Inspectorate Scotland.

3. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

• Personalised Care and Support Planning Policy
• Dignity and Respect Policy
• Safeguarding Adults Policy
• Infection Control and Hygiene Policy
• Medication Management Policy
• Mental Capacity and Consent Policy
• Risk Assessment and Enablement Policy

4. Principles of Self-Care and Wellbeing Support

At {{org_field_name}}, we support individuals in a way that respects their choices, independence, and dignity. Our approach is guided by the Health and Social Care Standards (HSCS):

• Dignity and Respect: “I experience high-quality care and support that is right for me.”
• Wellbeing and Independence: “I can maintain and develop my independence and have control over my own care.”
• Personal Preferences: “My care is provided in a way that respects my culture, beliefs, and individual choices.”

To achieve this, we ensure that:

• People are fully involved in decisions about their personal care.
• Care plans reflect individual preferences for self-care and personal treatment.
• Staff empower individuals to manage their own care wherever possible.
• Assistance is provided in a compassionate, sensitive, and respectful manner.
• Personal care is delivered safely, ensuring compliance with hygiene and infection control protocols.

5. Self-Care and Personal Treatment Support

5.1 Supporting Personal Hygiene

Maintaining personal hygiene is essential for health, comfort, and dignity. Our approach includes:

• Encouraging independence by enabling individuals to carry out personal hygiene tasks where possible.
• Assisting with:
  • Bathing, showering, or bed baths based on individual preference.
  • Oral hygiene, including brushing teeth and denture care.
  • Skin care, ensuring individuals receive support with moisturising or medical skin conditions.
  • Hand and foot care, supporting cleanliness and nail maintenance.
  • Hair care, including washing, combing, and styling according to preference.
• Providing privacy during personal hygiene support.
• Documenting preferences in care plans to ensure consistency.

5.2 Grooming and Appearance

Supporting individuals in maintaining their chosen appearance is essential for wellbeing and self-esteem. We assist with:

• Shaving (electric razors for safety unless otherwise agreed).
• Make-up and skincare for those who wish to apply them.
• Clothing choices, ensuring comfort and dignity.
• Nail care, with referrals to podiatry when necessary.

5.3 Supporting Continence and Toileting Needs

Our service ensures discreet and respectful support with:

• Use of continence products (pads, catheters, stoma care) while maintaining dignity.
• Toileting assistance, including prompting, supervision, or full support if needed.
• Promoting hydration and nutrition to support urinary and bowel health.
• Maintaining privacy and dignity at all times.

5.4 Assisting with Medication for Personal Treatment

• Support in applying creams, ointments, and prescribed treatments in line with the Medication Management Policy.
• Ensuring medication is administered safely and documented correctly.
• Working with health professionals for conditions requiring specialist input.

5.5 Supporting Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

Self-care is not just physical; mental and emotional wellbeing is equally important. Our approach includes:

• Encouraging positive self-image and confidence.
• Providing companionship and social engagement.
• Promoting relaxation techniques, including aromatherapy or sensory activities.
• Supporting individuals in maintaining spiritual and cultural practices.

6. Consent and Person-Centred Decision Making

6.1 Respecting Personal Choice

• People we support have the right to refuse assistance with self-care.
• Staff must always seek consent before providing personal care.
• If a person lacks capacity, decisions must be made in their best interests following Mental Capacity Act guidance.

6.2 Recording and Reviewing Preferences

• Care plans must detail self-care preferences, including specific hygiene routines.
• Regular reviews ensure preferences remain up to date.

7. Staff Responsibilities and Training

All staff at {{org_field_name}} must:

• Follow best practice when supporting self-care and personal treatment.
• Respect cultural, religious, and personal beliefs.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene and infection control.
• Recognise and report concerns about physical or mental wellbeing.
• Encourage independence and choice at every opportunity.

7.1 Training and Professional Development

• Staff will receive ongoing training in:
  • Personal care best practices.
  • Dignity and safeguarding.
  • Infection control and hygiene management.
  • Supporting independence in self-care.
  • Recognising and reporting health concerns.

8. Risk Management and Safeguarding

8.1 Risk Assessment for Self-Care

• Every person we support will have a personalised risk assessment.
• Risks associated with bathing, toileting, grooming, and skincare will be managed appropriately.

8.2 Reporting Concerns

• If staff identify signs of neglect, abuse, or health deterioration, they must:
  • Report immediately to the Registered Manager.
  • Record observations in care notes.
  • Follow safeguarding procedures.

9. Infection Control and Hygiene

• Staff must adhere to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) standards.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used where appropriate.
• Hand hygiene is essential before and after assisting with self-care.

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or updated sooner in response to regulatory changes or business 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.