Supporting rights, privacy, and person-centred relationships

Supporting relationships in care homes means recognising residents as adults with emotional, social and intimate lives, and ensuring routine care does not become unnecessary restriction. Privacy, identity and relationship preferences should form part of person-centred care rather than be treated as awkward extras.

Examples of good person-centred practice

• Ask and listen respectfully: sexuality, orientation, gender identity and relationship status may all be relevant to care planning.
• Protect privacy: knock before entering, avoid unnecessary interruption and consider room access and observation practices carefully.
• Respect personal preferences: this can include dress, grooming, visitors, preferred names and who provides intimate care where practicable.
• Support established relationships: long-term partners, same-sex partners, spouses and newer companions should be treated with dignity and consistency.
• Avoid family takeover: relatives may have strong views, but they do not automatically decide what lawful relationship or privacy choices are permitted.

Person-centred relationship support means privacy, respect, inclusive language and ordinary dignity. Homes should not create unnecessary barriers to lawful intimacy and companionship.