Recently we held training for our staff on personal care. In the home care setting, personal care can be anything from hand hygiene, feeding, toileting, bathing. One of the biggest challenges for the elderly is proper hand washing. We, as caregivers, can lead by example:
– Use soap and water, lathering hands by rubbing the soap including the backs of the hands, between the fingers, and under nails.- – Scrub hands for at least 20 seconds.
- – Rinse well under the water.
- – Dry hands using a clean towel.
Here’s a link to a short video: Hand Hygiene: https://youtu.be/63_AL24h30I
We also discussed feeding assistance. When preparing food, wash hands thoroughly, cut food into bite size pieces, encourage alternation of solid foods, allow client to choose what they would like to eat and lastly make sure that what they eat fits in with any dietary restrictions.
Here’s a link to a short video: Feeding: https://youtu.be/Yt3EelUdy60
Lastly, we covered toileting and bathing. While there is a much to cover here are a few tips with a link to more detailed instructions:
- – Make sure hygiene products are within reach.
- – Provide mobility aids as needed
- – Use separate sections of the washcloth as you clean.
Here’s a link to a short video:
Shower Assistance: https://youtu.be/awrSKeHYTOM
Bed Bath: https://youtu.be/HRfFdgch968
At Hearts at Home Senior Care, we give our staff the skills and knowledge to give excellent care to their clients and this is a great way to bring us together and learn. Please contact our office if you have any home care assistance needs.
https://heartsathome.com/houston/services/personal-care/
Megan Barr, RN
Director of Nursing
Megan Barr serves as Director of Nursing and has more than 9 years of experience as a nurse most of which was spent in long term care serving the elder population. While working as a RN at a LTC, she found a passion in caring for the elderly.
Megan attended Lee College where she received an associates degree in nursing.
