Personal Care, Choice & Dignity
Personal care is intimate support. The quality of that support depends not only on what task is completed, but on how privacy, communication, choice and dignity are protected.
Explain what is happening
People should be given information in a way they can understand before and during personal care, using their preferred communication method.
Protect privacy
Personal care should take place in an appropriate private environment with only the staff needed to provide support.
Offer real choices
Where possible, the person should be involved in decisions about timing, clothing, products, routines and who supports them.
Promote independence
Support can encourage the person to complete the parts of a routine they can manage themselves rather than automatically taking over.
Record preferences
Useful personal-care preferences should be reflected in the care plan so support is more consistent across staff.
Review as needs change
Personal-care needs, mobility, communication and preferences can change, so support plans should be reviewed when necessary.
Frequently asked questions
Why is communication important during personal care?
It helps the person understand what is happening, express preferences and take part in decisions.
Should personal care promote independence?
Where appropriate, yes. Support can enable the person to complete the parts of a routine they can manage themselves.
Does KC Care provide personal care?
KC Care’s current client information states that personal care can be provided as part of an agreed care and support plan.