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Accessing People’s Homes Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} staff access the homes of the people we support in a safe, respectful, and professional manner. As a domiciliary care provider, we recognise that entering someone’s home is a privilege that requires consent, discretion, and adherence to strict professional standards. This policy ensures compliance with Care Inspectorate Scotland regulations, Health and Social Care Standards (Scotland), and other relevant legislation.

Our commitments include:

• Respecting the privacy, dignity, and autonomy of the people we support.
• Ensuring safe and authorised access to service users’ homes.
• Providing clear guidance to staff on professional conduct when entering private residences.
• Safeguarding service users, staff, and property during visits.
• Implementing procedures to respond to concerns, refusals, or emergency access requirements.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All care staff, including full-time, part-time, and agency workers providing home care services.
• Supervisors, managers, and coordinators overseeing home visits.
• Service users and their families, ensuring they understand their rights regarding home access.
• External professionals and contractors who may require home access under agreed circumstances.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy ensures compliance with:

• Care Inspectorate Scotland regulations.
• Health and Social Care Standards (Scotland), ensuring dignity, choice, and respect.
• Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) Codes of Practice, setting professional expectations for staff.
• Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000, ensuring decision-making support for individuals lacking capacity.
• Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007, ensuring safeguarding responsibilities are met.
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, ensuring confidentiality in accessing private residences.

4. Gaining Permission and Respecting Personal Boundaries

4.1 Consent and Authorisation

• Staff must obtain explicit permission before entering a service user’s home.
• Where an individual lacks capacity, access must be in line with legally authorised decisions (e.g., Power of Attorney, Guardianship, or Best Interest decisions).
• Service agreements must include clear consent regarding home access procedures.

4.2 Respecting Privacy and Independence

• Staff must knock and wait before entering, even if they have key access.
• If an individual declines entry, staff must respect their wishes and report concerns if refusal poses a risk.
• Entry must be conducted in a professional and non-intrusive manner, ensuring service users feel in control.
• Personal belongings and household arrangements must be respected at all times.

5. Safe and Secure Home Access Procedures

5.1 Key Handling and Secure Entry

Where key access is required:

• Key access must be agreed in the care plan and authorised by the service user or legal representative.
• Keys must be stored securely and never labelled with personal information.
• Key safes must be used where appropriate, with access codes securely managed.
• Staff must never duplicate or take home keys.

5.2 Use of Door Entry Systems

• If a service user has an intercom or access control system, staff must follow instructions provided in the care plan.
• Staff must not allow unauthorised individuals to enter alongside them.

5.3 Unexpected Circumstances

If a service user does not answer the door:

• Check pre-agreed protocols (e.g., calling the service user or emergency contacts).
• If concerned for their safety, contact the line manager immediately.
• If an emergency is suspected, follow emergency escalation procedures (e.g., contacting emergency services).

6. Professional Conduct When Inside a Service User’s Home

6.1 Staff Behaviour and Boundaries

• Staff must act professionally at all times and avoid informal behaviours (e.g., sitting in private areas unless invited).
• No personal phone use except in emergencies or when using work-issued devices for documentation.
• Staff must avoid personal conversations or discussing other service users.
• Only essential areas of the home should be accessed—staff must not enter bedrooms or private spaces unless care duties require it.

6.2 Infection Control and Hygiene

• Staff must follow infection prevention and control measures, including hand hygiene and PPE use.
• Shoes should be clean before entry and removed if requested (unless unsafe to do so).
• Any concerns about cleanliness or hygiene risks should be reported through appropriate channels.

6.3 Handling Personal and Household Items

• Staff must not accept gifts, money, or valuables from service users.
• Household tasks must be performed as agreed in the care plan—staff must not take on tasks outside of their role.
• Any damage or breakages must be reported immediately.

7. Dealing with Access Refusals and Safety Concerns

7.1 When a Service User Refuses Access

If a service user refuses entry:

• Staff must respect their decision unless an immediate risk exists.
• Document the refusal and report it to a supervisor.
• If refusal leads to safeguarding concerns, follow the Adult Protection Policy.

7.2 Managing Aggression or Distress

• If a service user becomes agitated or aggressive, staff must not enter or must leave safely.
• Remain calm, avoid confrontation, and seek support from the manager.
• In extreme cases, report to emergency services and the Care Inspectorate if necessary.

7.3 Emergency Access Situations

• If there are immediate concerns for a service user’s safety (e.g., no response, visible distress through a window):
  • Attempt to contact the individual and emergency contacts.
  • Notify line management and follow emergency procedures.
  • If urgent, contact emergency services and document the situation.

8. Data Protection and Confidentiality

• Staff must not discuss details of home visits with unauthorised persons.
• Any security information (e.g., key safe codes) must be stored securely.
• Care records should be completed discreetly and stored in line with GDPR policies.

9. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

To maintain high standards in accessing people’s homes, {{org_field_name}}:

• Conducts regular staff training on home access procedures.
• Performs spot checks and audits to ensure compliance.
• Reviews and updates policies in line with Care Inspectorate Scotland regulations.
• Collects feedback from service users and families to improve practices.

10. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

• Safeguarding and Adult Protection Policy.
• Infection Prevention and Control Policy.
• Regulatory Compliance with the Care Inspectorate Policy.
• Health and Safety Policy.
• Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy.

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are regulatory changes or operational needs requiring amendments.

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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}}
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