Is it legal to give residents bed baths after midnight and before 5am in a care home?

Answered by Sheila Scott

There is no specific law relating to giving a bed bath during the night, however …

I am as always surprised to receive this kind of question.

It is the most appalling practice, except in exceptional cases. Exceptional cases could be if there was a real need due to incontinence, health and safety, or service user preference.

Consider the KLOE’s. Is it Safe? Is it Effective? Is it Caring? Is it Responsive? Is it Well-Led?

Even if the person does not have mental capacity or the ability to understand what is happening, you should question:

• If they did have capacity would they consent to being bathed in the middle of the night?

• Would their family consent?

• Is this abuse in its widest sense?

• Where is the dignity?

• Is this person-centred care or is it care provided for the convenience of the service?

Finally, I believe that if CQC knew about this they would undertake an immediate full inspection of the service.

Best wishes.

Sheila