Physical Care Skills - Activities of Daily Living
Core concepts
Activities of daily living (ADLs) include bathing, mouth care, grooming, dressing, eating, toileting, transferring, and ambulation. Questions in this area test two things at once: safety and independence. Before care, identify the resident, explain what you are about to do, gather supplies, provide privacy, and wash your hands. Encourage the resident to do whatever they are able to do, and let them choose the order of care, water temperature, and clothing when possible. Use standard precautions and wear gloves whenever contact with body fluids is likely. During a bath, inspect the skin and report redness, bruising, rashes, or skin tears. Offer the bedpan or toilet before and after meals and at bedtime.
Traps to watch for
- Doing a task for a resident who can do it. Independence is the goal, not speed.
- Dressing the weak arm last. Dress the weak or affected side first and undress it last.
- Skipping the water-temperature check. Test warm water on your inner wrist.
- Feeding a resident with swallowing problems while they lie flat. The resident should sit upright, take small bites, and never be rushed.
- Storing dentures in a tissue or loose on a tray. Place them in a labeled cup or in a sink lined with a washcloth and water.
- Discussing the resident where others can hear. Keep personal information private.
Rule of thumb
Weak side first to dress, strong side first to undress. Picture a shirt going onto the arm that cannot help itself, then coming off the arm that can.