Those of us who’ve become, for one reason or another, reliant on someone for intimate care will know how humiliating it can be. Yet for some people with learning disabilities, intimate care is an experience they must endure every day. Julie Clark assesses the factors that should be considered to ensure this crucial part of care is carried out sensitively

For people with learning disabilities, dependence on others for intimate care might be caused by deficits in cognition and difficulties with carrying out practical and adaptive skills. These difficulties can be compounded by the presence of sensory and physical disabilities that restrict movement and the ability to carry out fine and gross motor skills that are required for self-care.