8.1 Clear and effective communication with the people accessing our service is vital for providing them with person-centred care. Staff should use appropriate communication methods to explain moving and handling tasks and obtain consent from the individual being moved.
8.2 Where communication may be difficult for the individual, staff should use aids identified in their person-centred care and support plans, such as pictorial guides, communication devices or independent advocates to facilitate understanding and support sharing their views.
8.3 We assume someone has capacity to make decisions about their own care, including moving and handling tasks unless it is established that they lack capacity. If there is reason to doubt a person’s capacity, a mental capacity assessment for this specific decision should be undertaken by a qualified professional and in-line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Gloucestershire Multi Agency Mental Capacity Act Policies.
8.4 If the individual is found to lack capacity for this specific decision, a Best Interest Decision is required.
8.5 If a moving and handling decision involves restrictions that could amount to a deprivation of liberty, where the person is unable to consent to the restrictions staff must ensure that appropriate authorisation is obtained through the Court of Protection or under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) if the person is in a care home or hospital.
