Intimate Care Policy 2022

Intimate Care Policy

 

Policy Statement

 

Intimate care covers areas of personal care which most people carry out for themselves, however some people are unable to do so because of having a disability. Children and young people with disabilities might require help with eating and drinking or other aspects of intimate personal care such as washing, dressing and toileting. 

 

Play Inclusion Project is committed to ensuring that all staff responsible for the intimate care of children and young people will undertake their duties in a professional manner. We will ensure that all children and young people are treated with respect and dignity when intimate care is given.  No child should be attended to in a way that causes distress or pain.  A child's welfare and dignity will always be of the highest priority. 

 

It is recognised that members of staff responsible for carrying out intimate care are at an increased risk of allegations of abuse.  Staff who provide intimate care should have training in Safeguarding Children and moving and handling (if appropriate).   All staff carrying out intimate care have a responsibility to report any safeguarding concerns that arise.

 

All intimate care needs should be fully discussed with the child's parents/carers and recorded on the child’s individual care plan during the initial home visit.

  

Changing

 

When suspecting a child/young person needs changing they should be escorted to the bathroom to be checked.

 

A suitable bathroom should be available to ensure intimate care needs can be appropriately met. 

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As a basic principle, children and young people will be supported to achieve the highest level of autonomy that is possible given their ability. Staff will encourage and promote each child/young person’s independence, this may mean, for example, giving the child/young person responsibility for washing themselves or pulling clothes up/down. 

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Pad changing Procedure

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• At least two members of staff must be present when carrying out intimate care tasks in line with Play Inclusion Project’s safeguarding policy and to assist with lifting and handling.

• All staff must wear appropriate protection (e.g. apron and gloves).

• Place, lift or hoist the child onto the changing mat or changing table and undress.

• If a child/young person can undress themselves, they must be encouraged to do so.

• All staff must use the child’s own labelled pads and wipes to clean the child

• Remove the soiled pad and ensure the child is thoroughly clean before applying a new pad

• All wastage i.e. used pads, wipes, gloves and aprons will be disposed of into a nappy bag, tied and disposed of in the bin provided.

• Dress the child/ young person, encourage them to do this themselves if they are able

• Wash hands with anti-bacterial soap and warm water

• Escort child from bathroom

• Record details on the Intimate Care Record Form

• The changing bed/mat must be cleaned with antibacterial spray before the next child is changed.

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Wherever possible a child should not be cared for by the same staff member on a regular basis to discourage dependency on one person.

 

The exception is, if a child is attending with their Direct Payment Support Worker.

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Record Keeping

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• Each time a child receives intimate care it must be recorded on the intimate care record form.  

• Care received along with the date must be recorded and both members of staff must sign the form.  

• Completed forms are to be handed to the Charity Manager for storage.

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Updated July 2022

By Joanne Barnes