CAREGIVING

EXPLORATORY COURSE

1
TLE 7/8-CAREGIVING
Week 3 and 4
 What is expected of you at the end of this module?
✔ You are expected to understand the importance of cleaning tools, equipment, and paraphernalia
used in caregiving.
✔ You are most likely to perform aftercare activities for tools, equipment, and paraphernalia
independently.
✔ You should be able to conduct a check-up of tools, equipment and paraphernalia on regular basis.
✔ You should be able to carry out routine maintenance following the Standard Operating Procedure
provided for every equipment or paraphernalia.
✔ You should be able to answer the activities given in this lesson accurately.
✔ You are expected to perform actively in all activities given in this lesson.

Directions: Complete the following steps in operating the equipment and paraphernalia
by supplying the missing word.

Directions: Give your honest answer with the following questions.

1. What caregiving Tools, Equipment, or Paraphernalia have you used already?
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
2. Name one equipment and identify its parts?
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
3. How did you manage to get your parents’ vital signs? What paraphernalia have you used?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________

Lesson 3: Safe Keeping Practices for Caregiving Tools,

Equipment and Paraphernalia
Written by Rarizza S. Ferreras

Proper care and maintenance of the caregiving tools, equipment, and paraphernalia are
some of the responsibilities of an effective caregiver. A defective device affects the quality of
care and service one can offer to his patients. To prolong the lifespan of every equipment, it
is an advantage for a caregiver to learn as much as he can about the uses, preventive
maintenance, and storing techniques of those. Following the proper usage of tools decreases
the possibility of appliance malfunctioning and breakdowns thereby heightening work
efficiency.

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TLE 7/8-CAREGIVING
Week 3 and 4
 Care and Maintenance of the Caregiving TOOLS
1. Cleaning of tools must be a habit every after use.
2. Make sure that tools are free of dirt before returning them
to its safety box or place.
3. Wipe them with a clean cloth, dry them, and store them
in their original holder.
4. Look for defects and fixed them right away.
5. Conduct a regular inspection or check-up of tools to keep
them usable and free of damage.
6. For the KNIVES: Sharpen them before and after each
use, to reduce the force exerted upon using because as
they say “Dull tools are more dangerous than the sharp
ones”.
7. For METAL TOOLS: Wipe them with a clean dry cloth
and lubricate as needed. Avoid soaking them in water
to prevent rusting.
8. For PLASTIC TOOLS: Wash and rinse them thoroughly.
Make them free of oils and grease and store them in an
area away from the direct heat since they have low
resistance in heat.
9. For SMALL PARAPHERNALIA: bedpan, bathtub, basin, and those that comes direct
contact with the patients, sanitize them as often as possible to avoid the risk of
recontamination.
10. For the GLASS AND BREAKABLE ITEMS: Wash them ahead to cease them from
shattering. Sanitize with hot water for safety.

Care and Maintenance of the Equipment FOR MEAL PREPARATION

A. Blender
1. Unplug the blender after use.
2. Wash the glass jar and the lid of the blender with
warm soapy water, rinse and dry thoroughly.
3. In a separate mixing bowl 1 cup of hot water and a
teaspoon of dishwashing liquid use this mixture to
clean the blender. You may add a tablespoon of
baking soda to remove odor, stains and hardened
food particles.
4. Put the mixture in a jar and turn on the blender
allow it to run for about 20 seconds in a high-
speed mode.
5. Repeat the process as needed. Rinse it well with
hot water and dry with a towel. Air drying is highly
advised to prevent recontamination.
6. If the blade is removable, remove it and carefully
wash and rinse with hot water.
7. Wipe the base of the blender with a cloth using a
mixture of ½ tablespoon of vinegar and ½ cup of
hot water placed in a spray bottle. Never immerse
the blender motor in water nor wash it in running
water.
8. You may clean the electrical cord of the blender
with a damp cloth just make sure the unit is
unplugged, also, never touch the cord with your
wet hands.
9. Do not forget to clean the countertop of the kitchen
after the process. Keep safe the blender with a
fabric, back to the box, or in a dry place.

3
TLE 7/8-CAREGIVING
Week 3 and 4
B. Coffee Maker
1. Unplug the coffee maker from the main socket and allow it
to cool down before cleaning.
2. Prepare a mixture of 1 tablespoon of vinegar with 2
tablespoons of water (1:2) depending on the size of your
coffee maker.
3. Pour the mixture in the reservoir of the coffee maker and
turn it on. Allow the cycle to run for about 15-20 minutes.
4. Repeat the cycle to wash away the vinegar-water solution
out of the coffee maker. Let the unit cool.
5. Dispose of the mixture and wash and rinse the pot.
6. Clean the base with a damp cloth and a little amount of
liquid soap. Do not immerse the motor in water. Do not use
any abrasive material in cleaning the coffee maker.
7. Wash and rinse the accessories thoroughly.
8. Clean the surface area and return the coffee maker in its
place.

C. Food Processor
1. Always unplug the unit before cleaning.
2. Take all the removable pieces of the food processor apart
and clean them.
3. Carefully wash the blades. Do not use abrasive material
in cleaning.
4. Dry all the pieces. Assemble them back together.
5. Wipe down the base with a cloth and never submerge in
water.
6. Clean the area and store the food processor back in its
place.

D. Electric Can Opener

1. Disconnect the electric can opener from the socket before
cleaning.
2. Carefully wash the blades with warm soapy water and let it dry.
Lubricate the blade with oil as needed.
3. Wipe the inside and the outside body of the can opener with a
dampened cloth and liquid soap.
4. Clean the area and store the can opener in a dry place.

E. Microwave Oven
1. Be sure to unplug the unit from the power supply.
2. For easier cleaning, Mix half of a lemon in a bowl with 1 cup of
water and heat on the oven for about 10 minutes under 100
degrees Fahrenheit. The mixture will help to remove the dirt
and foul odor from the inside of the oven.
3. Remove the bowl from the oven and all the splattered grease
and dirt with a sponge.
4. Clean all the accessories and as well as the glass door. Never
use harsh abrasive cleaners which might damage the surface
of your oven.
5. Wipe the outside of the oven with a dry cloth and clean the
area.

4
TLE 7/8-CAREGIVING
Week 3 and 4
 Care and Maintenance of the Equipment FOR CLEANING, WASHING,
and LAUNDRY
A. Bottle Sterilizer
1. Unplug the appliance and allow it to cool first before cleaning.
2. Remove the racks or the basket out of the sterilizer.
3. Put one cup of white vinegar or acetic acid into the sterilizer to
remove the build-up of dirt. Clean the other parts with warm
soapy water.
4. Never immerse the base, cord, or plug with water, or any
liquid.
5. Wash the outside body of the unit with cool water and a clean
sponge.
6. Pour a regular amount of water in the sterilizer, plug in the
unit, and run the cycle for a few minutes to remove the
remaining mixture.
7. Allow the unit to cool down and rinse the sterilizer with cool
water and sponge. Return the racks/basket inside the
sterilizer.
8. When the unit is completely cooled down, place it back to the
kitchen cabinet.

B. Flat Iron
1. For the Steam Iron, you can use the self-clean function to
remove the impurities at least once a month.
2. Always make sure that the unit is unplugged and cooled
down before any procedure.
3. Check the temperature scale to a MIN and the water if it is
at maximum level. Choose a stable surface to process the
procedures.
4. Plug-in the iron and set the self-steam control to self-
clean. When the light indicator turns off, unplug the iron.
5. Hold the unit horizontally over the sink, shake the unit, and
release the water.
6. For the non-coated sole plates, use baking soda or metal
polish.
7. For the non-sticky sole plates, use warm soapy water, and
a soft cloth.
8. Never use an abrasive material to avoid scratches on the
iron plates.
C. Washing Machine
1. Wipe the outside part of the washing machine (top, bottom,
front, back) with a cloth and liquid cleaner.
2. Clean the inside once every month for maintenance. Fill the
washer tub with hot water. Prepare 2 cups of lime (for rust
problems) and 2 cups of vinegar solution (for odor
problems). If both problems exist, do cycle one at a time.
3. Complete the washing cycle and rinse the tub with clean
water to cast away the remaining residue.
4. Clean the bleach dispenser and the hoses separately.
5. Dry the unit and place the lid back.
6. Mop the floor thoroughly to prevent possible slips and falls.

5
TLE 7/8-CAREGIVING
Week 3 and 4
D. Dryer
1. Inspect the unit before and after use.
2. Clean the lint filter regularly to avoid drying problems.
Replace as needed.
3. Wipe the outside of the dryer with a soft cloth and a
small amount of liquid detergent.
4. Check the door and the hose for a possible build-up of
dirt.
5. Do not overload your dryer more than its specified
loading capacity.
6. Place the dryer in the dry place.

E. Vacuum Cleaner
1. Check the physical condition of the unit.
2. Remove the water filter and the filter cloth (replace as
needed). Take away the ball of dust and dirt in the
compartment.
3. Return it to its place following the appropriate position.
4. Clean the bucket and pour out the dirty water. Wash all the
accessories and parts that need to be cleaned (nozzle,
crevices, brush) and rinse well.
5. When the parts are completely dry, re-assemble all the parts
for the next use.
6. Clean the area and keep the vacuum cleaner.

Care and Maintenance of the Paraphernalia for

Taking Vital Signs

A. Thermometer
1. Wipe the tip (probe) of the thermometer with cotton and alcohol.
2. Do not immerse the LCD with water.
3. Wipe away the lubricating jelly (for rectal type) using a paper towel
and alcohol.
4. Keep it in a safety case or holder after use.

B. Stethoscope
1. Disinfect the bell/chest piece and other parts of the
stethoscope with cotton and 70% isopropyl alcohol solution.
2. Do not soak your stethoscope in water. Keep it away from
extreme temperatures and harmful chemicals as it may
damage the parts.
3. Remove the parts like ear tips and diaphragm for thorough
cleaning but remember to get the pieces back in its place for safety.
4. Store the unit back to its holder especially when not in use.
5. Discard all the used cotton balls, tissue, and paper towels properly.
C. Sphygmomanometer

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TLE 7/8-CAREGIVING
Week 3 and 4
1. For Aneroid Type – aneroid gauge, valve screw and
inflation bulb can be cleaned and sanitized with a 70%
isopropyl alcohol, and antiseptic pad.
2. Built-in Cuff can also be cleaned with an antiseptic or wash
with warm soapy water with some considerations.
3. Before laundering the cuff:
✔ make sure to remove the inflation bulb and the valve.;
✔ close the end of the tubing with tube accessory plug; and
✔ close the tube port.
4. During Laundering:
✔ Gently hand wash the cuff with warm water and
detergent;
✔ Air-dry the cuff and re-assemble the components.
5. Keep the unit in its storage case.

Activity 1: PICTURE DICTIONARY

Directions: Select the steps in the proper care and maintenance of equipment and
paraphernalia. Put a BIG CHECK MARK with the correct step and put a BIG
CROSS MARK if it is wrong.
1. Care and Maintenance for Stethoscope

2. Care and Maintenance for Blender

3. Care and Maintenance for Vacuum Cleaner

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TLE 7/8-CAREGIVING
Week 3 and 4
Activity 2: PICTURE DICTIONARY 2
Directions: Arrange the steps in using the caregiving equipment or paraphernalia by numbering them
as to which should come first.

Electric can opener Microwave oven

Thermometer Bottle Sterilizer

Washing Machine

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TLE 7/8-CAREGIVING
Week 3 and 4
Activity 3: THINK-TOK

Directions: Fill-in the sentences below with an appropriate word/s to complete the idea of the sentence.
1. Before cleaning the clothes dryer, I will __________ the unit. I will clean the __________
and change it as needed to avoid drying problems in the future. I will use a soft __________
and a small amount of __________ detergent to wipe away the dirt. I will check the door
and hose to remove the build-up of dirt. I should not _________ the dryer more than its
drying capacity to prolong the life of this device.

2. In using a stethoscope, the teacher told us to _________ first the parts of the thermometer.
She reminded us not to __________ it in water to protect the unit. The __________ and the
___________ should be removed for thorough cleaning but we have to return it back together
safely. Moreover, she told us to always __________ the stethoscope in its safety case holder
when not in use.

3. Our weekend task from school is to clean the clothes iron. The first thing to do is to make
sure that the iron is _________ from the power source. Since ours is a stem type iron, I have
to fill it with __________in a maximum level and set the __________ in a minimum. Plugin
the iron and apply the ___________ function. When the light indicator stops, hold the unit
and __________ the water. Wipe the outside part with a cloth and let it cool down.

4. I was assigned to be a washer in our group. I had a problem regarding the food processor
and so I decided to approach our teacher. She gave me tips on how to clean it. First, I have
to make sure that the unit is __________.
Second, Take all the ___________ parts carefully. Third, wash the _________ and the other
accessories. Fourth, __________ all the parts and __________them back together. Lastly,
return it back to the box.

5. When cleaning the aneroid type sphygmomanometer, parts must be considered in order to
avoid damage. Remove the ___________, __________screw and the inflatable
__________. Use a 70% ___________ and an antiseptic pad to sanitize it. In laundering
the __________, make sure that the tube port is close and gently wash it with hand.

✔ Tools, Equipment and Paraphernalia need proper care, maintenance, and storing.
✔ Care and Maintenance ensure that equipment is operational and safe to use.
✔ Reading the manufacturer’s instructional manual guarantees the accuracy and reliability of an
appliance.
✔ Proper handling of equipment minimizes trouble and defects.
✔ Record-keeping maintenance is highly encouraged to monitor the regular check-up of equipment.
✔ Always use the right tool for the right task.
✔ Lubricate the tools as needed, inspect the connections, and observe frayed wires. Do not expose
the electrical cord and plug in water.

9
TLE 7/8-CAREGIVING
Week 3 and 4
 Directions: List down what is needed to have an exit ticket in this lesson

Directions: Complete the checklist and share your thoughts. Check the appropriate box that corresponds
to the letter of your answer.

1. The most important thing I learned in this lesson was about …

A. Classifications of Tools, Equipment, and Paraphernalia.

B. Proper Use of Caregiving Equipment, and Paraphernalia.

C. Maintenance of Tools, Equipment, and Paraphernalia.

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TLE 7/8-CAREGIVING
Week 3 and 4
2.The Equipment or Paraphernalia that I got more interested about was…

Blender Stethoscope

Food Processor Thermometer

Coffee Maker Sphygmomanometer

Microwave Oven Washing Machine

Electric Can Opener Dryer

Bottle Sterilizer Flat Iron

3. The activity that gets me curious the most was…

A. Cleaning the food processor.

B. Changing the lint filter of a dryer.

C. Removing the foul odor from the microwave oven.

D. Removing the parts of a stethoscope.

4I have found out that the equipment that needs delicate care was…

Blender Stethoscope

Food Processor Thermometer

Coffee Maker Sphygmomanometer

Microwave Oven Washing Machine

Electric Can Opener Dryer

Bottle Sterilizer Flat Iron

5. Today, the thing that I have realized the most was that…

A. Equipment and Paraphernalia require proper care and maintenance.

B. Equipment and Paraphernalia must have a regular check-up routine.

C. The lifespan of an appliance depends on the way it is use and the way
it is maintained.

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TLE 7/8-CAREGIVING
Week 3 and 4
 Complete your exit ticket in this lesson by answering the questions below.

Irish Ann Mangabat

Validator
Janet A. Tarnate
Illustrator

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TLE 7/8-CAREGIVING
Week 3 and 4