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