Undertake personal hygiene for individuals who require additional support to care for themselves

This standard covers undertaking personal hygiene for those individuals who are unable to care for themselves.  This includes care of the skin, mouth, nose, eyes and ears.

This is may occur in hospital intensive care and high dependency situations but would also apply in care/residential homes, hospices and the individual's own home.

On occasions you may be required to carry out these activities under aseptic conditions and you will need to follow organisational guidelines and procedures.

---

1. access and accurately interpret all relevant work instructions and information
2. work safely at all times and in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols
3. deal promptly and effectively with any problems within your control and report those which cannot be solved
4. identify and minimise hazards and risk in the workplace
5. communicate with the individual and key people at a pace, in a manner and at a level appropriate to the individual's understanding, preferences and needs
6. respect the individual's rights and wishes relating to their consent, privacy, beliefs, and dignity
7. provide support to the individual and ensure health and safety measures are implemented at all times
8. where applicable to the situation, use aseptic technique following organisational procedures
9. check the individual's identity and the confirm the planned activity
10. give the individual relevant information, support and reassurance in a manner which is sensitive to their needs and concerns
11. gain valid, informed consent from the individual in accordance with specific procedures
12. prepare to undertake the personal hygiene activity

13. confirm all equipment and materials for personal hygiene are:

    • as prescribed/detailed in the individual's plan of care
    • appropriate to the procedure
    • fit for purpose
      

14. carry out the personal hygiene:

    • at an appropriate time according to the individual's plan of care
    • using appropriate techniques
    • in a manner which optimises the comfort, privacy and dignity of the individual and minimises pain and trauma
      

15. observe and support the individual throughout the personal hygiene

16. recognise and report any condition or behaviour which may signify adverse reactions to the activity and take the appropriate action
17. complete and store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements
    

---

1. the current legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
3. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
4. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
5. the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others
6. the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
7. how to adapt communication styles in ways which are appropriate to the needs of the individual  
8. the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others
9. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
10. the needs of individuals including issues relating to dignity, confidentiality, and privacy
11. organisational management structures, roles, and responsibilities
12. the importance of applying standard precautions to undertaking personal hygiene and the potential consequences of poor practice
13. why individuals should be supported and informed about the activity or procedure
14. why resources should be prepared before you start the activity
15. why your personal beliefs may cause you difficulties with certain procedures and how you manage this conflict in practice
16. the concerns and worries which individuals may have in relation to some personal hygiene activities
17. the adverse reactions which may occur during and following personal hygiene activities and how to identify and deal with these
18. the anatomy and physiology relevant to cleansing the skin, nose, mouth, eyes and ears
19. the equipment and materials required for the procedure
20. the importance of undertaking personal hygiene activities for individuals
21. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

2

---

2026

---

Current

---

Original

---

Skills for Health

---

SFHCHS11

---

Health and Social Care, Health and Social Services Officers, Health Associate Professionals, Health Professionals, Health, Public Services and Care, Healthcare and Related Personal Services

---

2259

---

Personal, hygiene, support, unable

---