I have written a reflective account, had it marked and subsequently bounced back to add more detail (after being told I was over doing it before!) anyway, I have added most and have just got one more thing to put in!

I need to explain how to deal with a service user that refuses to bathe or shower and what outside agencies to call in and why.

This is not something I have come across in my setting as our service users are young adults with autism and so personal care is part of their daily routine.

Thank you for your help!

Sue xxx

Hi, it's the individuals' right to make the decision, can't be forced, work with them, ask them how they can be supported: ask them why, would they prefer to at a different time of day, is it when certain staff are on shift/supporting, are they being supported by staff that are the same sex as themselves - male service user with male staff & vice versa, is it that they want privacy but feel that staff have to remain in bathroom with them, can the environment be changed to meet the service user's needs, e.g. is the bathroom cold, past-history: is this something that has happened before or is it a new issue, is it possible/appropriate to ask the individual's family for advice but remember confidentiality & respect the individuals' right to privacy, is it a mental health issue, is it a safe-guarding matter e.g. has the individual been abused recently or in the past, do they associate bathing/showering with being harmed.

Outside agencies: it depends on the individuals' own circumstances & the reasons for their refusal.