{{org_field_logo}}

{{org_field_name}}

---

Privacy and Dignity in Care Homes (Scotland) Policy

Policy Statement

This policy sets out the values and principles underpinning {{org_field_name}}’s approach to maintaining the privacy and dignity of the people receiving its care. {{org_field_name}} recognises that everyone has the right to live their lives with privacy, dignity, independence and choice. It will work in collaboration with all legal and caring agencies to uphold this right.

The home’s approach is in line with the requirements of the national health and social care standards described in My Support, My Life (June 2017), particularly Standard 5: “I experience a high-quality environment if the organisation provides the premises.”

Privacy Policy

In {{org_field_name}}, everyone receiving its care:

• are offered private, single accommodation furnished, decorated and equipped to a high standard which they may use and enjoy as and when they wish
• have control over who goes into their room or living space with rooms having lockable doors with locking systems that people receiving care can use but allowing staff to open the doors if there is an emergency
• know that staff will always knock on their bedroom, toilet and bathroom doors and wait until they are asked to enter except in a genuine emergency
• have lockable spaces in their rooms for personal belongings
• can entertain visitors and friends in private and children are made welcome
• can discuss their needs in confidence and in private with whoever they choose
• can make and receive phone calls in private and receive mail, including emails, in private, unless there are specific legal reasons to prevent this — if this is the case, staff will explain the reasons and record them
• can expect staff to carry out intimate physical care or treatment sensitively and in private, always maintaining their dignity
• take charge of their personal possessions, which will always remain their property
• wear only their own clothes and clothing of their own choice
• can be confident that their clothing and personal possessions are clearly marked and properly cared for.

Dignity Policy

In {{org_field_name}}, all everyone receiving its care:

• are treated with dignity in the way in which the staff deal with dressings, bathing, feeding, incontinence and all other needs
• are addressed in the manner that they choose
• are respected for their individuality, their views and the way in which they are accustomed to conduct their lives
• are consulted on any matter or activity, which may impinge upon their life within the home in any way, and to have their wishes respected
• retain all the rights enjoyed by individuals remaining in their own homes within the community
• are entitled to have their own culture, religious practices and beliefs observed and respected at all times.

Procedures

Staff must always remember the following.

1. Always treat people receiving care with sensitivity, respect and thoughtfulness.
2. Always knock before entering a person’s accommodation.
3. Only use the home’s master keys to gain entrance to a room in an emergency or at the request of a person receiving care.
4. Always address people receiving care by the title or name that they prefer.
5. Always treat people receiving care as individuals.
6. Allow people receiving care to do things for themselves whenever appropriate.
7. Never gossip about people receiving care.
8. Never discuss private or personal issues with a person receiving care in public.
9. Avoid the use of patronising or insulting language.
10. Give appropriate room and space to people receiving care.
11. Always treat people receiving care in a dignified and sensitive way when performing intimate care tasks.

Training

All staff must understand and follow the policy on privacy and dignity, which is covered in the home’s induction training and constantly reinforced through management and supervision.

---

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 ©2024 {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved