1.3 Agree with the individual how privacy will be maintained during personal care

This guide will help you answer 1.3 Agree with the individual how privacy will be maintained during personal care.

Personal care means helping someone with their day-to-day tasks like washing, dressing, or using the toilet. Everyone has their own way of doing things, and people can feel exposed or embarrassed during these times. That’s why agreeing with the person on how privacy will be maintained matters so much.

Why Privacy Matters in Personal Care

Privacy is about protecting a person’s dignity. Dignity means having respect for oneself and feeling valued. When helping with personal care, it is easy for someone to feel uncomfortable, so you need to discuss how privacy will be upheld.

People might worry about being seen undressed or having their personal space invaded. They might not want other people to know about their personal routines. If you ignore their privacy, they could feel anxious, lose trust in you, or even refuse care.

The Right to Privacy

The law in the UK supports the right to privacy. The Human Rights Act 1998 says everyone is entitled to respect for their private and family life. The Care Act 2014, and regulations from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), require you to maintain privacy. Not keeping to this can have legal effects for your workplace.

Privacy is not just about being alone. It covers:

• Control over personal information
• Deciding who helps with care
• Choosing when and how care is given
• Deciding how much someone wants to be covered or shielded

The Care Plan as a Basis for Privacy

Each person you help has a care plan. The care plan sets out what support they want, how they want it, and what preferences they have. Use the care plan to start a conversation about privacy.

It often lists:

• The person’s preferred time for support
• If they want a male or female worker
• How much support they need
• What makes them feel comfortable

Any changes or worries about privacy should be added as soon as possible.

Talking to the Individual

Agreeing on privacy does not just mean telling someone what you will do. It means listening, talking and agreeing together. Some people will have strong opinions, while others might be shy or unsure. Some may not know what options exist until you explain. Start the conversation in a private space, where you will not be interrupted.

Ask open questions, for example:

• “What would make you feel comfortable when I help you to wash?”
• “Is there anything you would like me to do differently?”
• “Who would you prefer to help you with personal care?”
• “Would you like the door closed or a screen pulled around you?”
• “How much do you want me to do, and what would you like to manage on your own?”

Take your time and do not rush their decisions.

Agreeing the Details

When the person tells you their wishes, listen carefully. Write down what you have agreed in their care records straight away. This avoids mistakes and miscommunication. If someone’s wishes change, record the new information.

You can agree on many details, such as:

• Who gives the care (e.g., only female staff or only regular staff)
• When care happens (morning, evening, or at a specific time)
• Where care is given (bathroom or bedroom)
• How much the door should be closed (fully, slightly open, or curtains drawn)
• What clothing or towels are used for covering up
• Whether family members or other professionals can be present

The care plan should reflect all these points.

Physical Privacy in Personal Care

Maintaining privacy means more than just closing doors.

Ways to uphold physical privacy:

• Knock before entering a room and wait for a response
• Close curtains, blinds, and doors fully
• Place a ‘do not disturb’ sign if possible
• Use towels or sheets to cover areas not being washed
• Limit the number of staff present to the minimum needed
• Offer the person a choice about clothing that gives coverage
• Make sure other residents or visitors cannot see

If you help in a shared room, use portable screens or ask roommates to give space.

Emotional Privacy and Trust

Some people are very private. They may not want anyone to see parts of their body, even for care reasons. That is their choice.

Respecting emotional privacy means:

• Letting the person do as much as they can for themselves
• Turning away or giving them space when possible
• Giving clear information before touching or helping them
• Listening if they are worried, embarrassed or upset
• Never making jokes or comments about their body

If someone cannot communicate easily, look for signs that they are uncomfortable. Watch their body language or changes in mood.

Communication Methods

Some people may use different ways to communicate, like sign language, pictures, or writing. Use their preferred way. If they have a communication passport or chart, check it.

If English is not their first language, try to use simple terms or key words. If necessary, call for an interpreter or family member to help with agreement.

For those living with dementia, repeat their wishes clearly and often. Be patient, and give them choices to help them feel in control.

Supporting People Who Lack Capacity

Sometimes, a person cannot make decisions about their care. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 guides you in these situations. You must always act in their best interests.

Still, involve them as much as possible. Look for ways to uphold their privacy based on past wishes or what makes them comfortable now.

Speak to family, advocates or those with legal authority, such as Lasting Power of Attorney, to ask about the person’s past preferences. This is part of agreeing privacy measures.

Working with Family and Carers

Some people want family to help or be present, while others do not. Respect their decision. Always ask for permission before sharing personal care tasks with anyone else, even family.

If family wish to help, agree on how to keep privacy—for example, by stepping out during certain tasks.

Be clear about who is involved. Write this in their care notes. If someone does not want family involved, respect this and do not discuss their care with others without permission.

Cultural, Religious, and Personal Beliefs

Beliefs can strongly influence how someone wants privacy. Some people need staff of a certain gender for personal care due to their religion. Others might want special clothing, prayers, or ritual washing.

Key ways to help:

• Ask about any specific cultural or religious needs
• Try to provide staff of the right gender
• Use special towels, cloths or products if requested
• Avoid crossing boundaries—for example, do not touch religious items unless asked
• Give the person quiet time for any prayers or rituals

Record all requests in the care plan and make other staff aware, respectfully.

Reviewing Arrangements and Responding to Change

People’s needs or preferences sometimes change. They might feel differently after getting to know staff, becoming unwell or gaining confidence.

Check in regularly:

• “Are you happy with how we are doing things?”
• “Is there anything you want me to change or do differently?”
• “Would you like more or less help?”

If someone is unhappy, talk to them about what would help. Record any changes.

If a person’s ability changes—for example, after a fall or illness—ask again about privacy needs. Review the care plan often.

Confidentiality During Personal Care

Respecting privacy means being careful with personal information. Do not talk about someone’s daily routines or care needs where others might hear.

Practical steps:

• Keep records secure, in locked drawers or password-protected computers
• Do not discuss care details with other residents or staff who do not need to know
• Only ask others for help if the person agrees

If you need to hand over care to someone else, ask the person first. Give only the information needed.

Examples of Maintaining Privacy

Let’s look at some situations.

Example 1:
Miss Evans likes her bath in the evening but only wants female staff to help. She wants towels kept over her at all times. You check her care plan, ask if she still feels comfortable, close the door, and make sure towels are used throughout.

Example 2:
Mr Shah cannot speak easily, but his daughter says he always wanted the door closed when being helped. You watch his body language. He looks calm when the door is closed, so you note this in the care plan and make sure all staff know.

Example 3:
Mrs Jones is having her pad changed. You ask her: “Would you like me to close the curtains or the door?” She says curtains, as she prefers a small gap left for air.

Agreeing these small details protects privacy and dignity.

Barriers to Maintaining Privacy

Sometimes you will find obstacles. These could include:

• Sharing a room with others
• Not enough staff
• No lock on doors
• Lack of screens or privacy aids

If this happens, raise the issue with your manager. Try to find quick fixes, like using sheets or asking others to leave the room. Never ignore the person’s needs—explain what you are doing and why.

If you can’t meet a request right away, tell the person you are trying. Keep them updated.

Supporting Independence

Giving privacy means supporting the person to do as much as they can themselves. This helps preserve dignity.

Let them wash parts of their body they are comfortable with, while you step away or turn your back. Give them time, and do not rush.

Ways to support independence and privacy:

• Offer adaptive equipment like long-handled sponges
• Help only if asked
• Provide verbal prompts rather than hands-on help

It is respectful to let the person set the pace.

Roles and Responsibilities

You have a responsibility to keep privacy, but you are not expected to know all the answers. Work as a team, share best practice, and seek help if unsure.

Upskill yourself with training in dignity and respect. The CQC and Skills for Care offer advice and resources.

Follow organisational policies, report any risks, and always act as agreed with the individual.

Training and Reflection

Think about your own feelings. Would you want someone ignoring your privacy? Use reflection after personal care tasks:

• Did I support privacy as agreed?
• Did I listen properly?
• Is there anything I should change next time?

If something goes wrong, apologise and talk to the person. Learn from feedback.

Final Thoughts

Agreeing on how privacy will be maintained during personal care sits at the heart of quality support. It means working together with the person, respecting their wishes, and adjusting care to meet their needs. You protect not just their body, but their dignity, comfort and trust.

Good agreement results in positive care experiences, more independence, and better relationships. Use the care plan, communicate clearly, involve the person, and keep their information safe.

Supporting privacy is more than rules—it is a mark of respect.