Steps for Proper Hygiene
September 18, 2008
As Mr. Jones’s level of understanding and his attention span decreased, it was important to assess self-care abilities. Was Mr. Jones able to bathe himself, properly clean himself after a bowel movement, brush his teeth, or dress himself? Since Mr. Jones’s mental status was altered, Ms. C. needed to offer simple, direct, and concise instructions about how to perform these tasks when necessary. She was advised to break each task down into steps. For example, to brush the teeth -
(l) Get the toothpaste
(2) Take the cap off
(3) Place paste on the brush
(4) Then brush teeth.
It was also important to allow adequate time to perform the tasks.
When dressing Mr. Jones or assisting him to dress himself, Ms. C. was instructed to offer one item of clothing at a time. Loose-fitting clothing was suggested since it would make dressing easier. Another important consideration, resulting from Mr. Jones’s unsteady gait, was to install a f1exible hose shower nozzle that allowed him to sit while showering.
Methods To Improve Hygiene
• Make adjustments in bathroom area (i.e., hand bars, handrails, raised toilet seat, nonslip surfaces).
• Be simple, direct, and concise when speaking, so the person can follow directions.
• Break down tasks into steps.
• Allow time to perform tasks.
• When dressing the person, offer one item of clothing at a time. Loose fitting clothing is easier to put on.
• Include denture care and oral care in daily hygiene.
Tags:alzheimer, alzheimer disease, alzheimer patient, concise instructions, denture care, hygiene, self care Treatment
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