1 Principles of Fundamental Care
Learn how to provide everyday support that respects each person’s rights, preferences, dignity, safety, and individuality.
Purpose and scope
supports everyday needs such as hygiene, mobility, eating and drinking, toileting, rest, and daily activities. It also protects a person’s rights, well-being, and individuality. Assistance should reflect the person’s preferences and , rather than convenience or a one-size-fits-all routine.
Dignity, , and choice
Treat each person as an individual. Use their preferred name, explain what you are going to do, listen to their preferences, and speak respectfully. Protect dignity during intimate care by closing doors or curtains, keeping the person covered as much as possible, and discussing personal information discreetly.
Ask permission before beginning care and throughout it. to one task does not automatically mean to another. A person can change their mind or refuse care. If they do, pause, listen to their concerns, offer reasonable alternatives, and follow the and workplace procedure.
Supporting decisions
Do not assume that someone cannot decide because they have a diagnosis or communication difficulty. Support them to understand and express their choice. Capacity is decision-specific and may change. If capacity is in question, follow applicable law and seek guidance from the responsible clinician.
Independence and privacy
Support the person to do as much as they safely can. Offer time and appropriate aids, and provide only the help needed. For example, set out clothing so the person can dress themselves, or help with only the parts of washing they cannot manage.
Encourage participation without pressuring or rushing. Respect routines, cultural or religious preferences, and choices about food, clothing, and activities whenever possible. Independence and privacy are supported by providing assistance without taking over tasks the person can manage.
Infection prevention
Use for everyone. Clean your hands at appropriate moments, including before and after patient contact and after removing gloves. Use gloves or other protective equipment when the task and anticipated exposure call for them; gloves do not replace hand hygiene.
Handle soiled laundry and equipment safely, and clean reusable equipment between people. Follow any additional precautions specified in the or workplace policy.
Safety during care
Before providing assistance, check the person’s current and the environment. For mobility or transfers, use the assessed level of help and any prescribed equipment. Make sure pathways are clear and footwear and mobility aids are suitable.
Do not attempt a lift or transfer beyond your training or the person’s assessed plan. Stop and seek help if the situation is unsafe. Offer food, drink, and toileting support in a way that respects the person’s needs and relevant care instructions. Safe transfers and walking require attention to the assistance and environmental adjustments needed.
Observation and reporting
Everyday care is an opportunity to notice changes from what is usual for the person. Significant changes to report promptly include new pain, skin damage, reduced eating or drinking, changes in elimination, altered mobility, unusual tiredness, or a change in mood or alertness.
Record observations factually according to workplace procedure and report concerns to the appropriate person. Do not diagnose or conceal a change.
Applying the principles
If a person who usually washes independently asks for help after feeling unsteady, explain what help you can offer and ask what they would like you to do. Follow their mobility plan, provide privacy, and let them complete the parts they can manage. If the unsteadiness is new, report and record it as required rather than treating it as part of their usual routine.
Good is person-centred: it preserves dignity and privacy, seeks and respects , promotes safe independence, helps prevent infection, stays within the and your training, and includes noticing and reporting meaningful changes.