Personal Care and Hygiene (ADLs, bathing, grooming, dressing)
Purpose and approach
Hygiene keeps skin intact, prevents odor and infection, and preserves dignity. Always provide privacy, explain each step, gather supplies first, and encourage the resident to do whatever they can. Check water temperature before the resident gets in. Bathe from clean to dirty: face first, then arms, torso, legs, and perineal area last. Wash, rinse, and dry thoroughly, especially under breasts, in skin folds, and between toes. Inspect skin for redness, breakdown, or rash at every bath and report findings.
Perineal care
Use front-to-back strokes for females to keep bacteria away from the urethra, and wash the catheter tubing as well if present. For an uncircumcised male, gently retract the foreskin, clean, and replace it - failing to replace it can cause swelling and injury.
Mouth, hair, nails, shaving
Brush teeth or dentures; remove dentures for cleaning and store them in labeled water, never in hot water. For an unconscious resident, use no fluids and turn the head to the side. Shave only with an electric razor unless safety razors are permitted by policy and the resident can cooperate. File nails; do not clip if the resident has diabetes or poor circulation - follow policy.
Dressing
Dress the weak or affected side first, then the strong side; when undressing, remove the strong side first. Use loose, front-opening clothing, allow the resident to choose, and never rush. Change soiled clothing promptly.
Traps
Exams test the front-to-back rule, the affected-side-first dressing rule, and the idea that independence beats speed. A resident who can button their own shirt should be allowed to, even if it takes longer.