Activity of Daily Living

Benefits of Personal Hygiene

- Personal hygiene may be described as the principle of maintaining
cleanliness and grooming of the external body.
- Failure to keep up a standard of hygiene can have many implications. Not
only there is an increased risk of getting an infection or illness, but there
are many social and psychological aspects that can be affected.
A.) Oral Care - Oral Hygiene cleaning the teeth and the oral cavity of the
patient. It includes the measures to prevent the spread of disease from
mouth and increase the comfort of the patient.
I – Providing mouth care for unconscious patient
II – Brushing and flossing patient's teeth
III – Providing denture care
Activity of Daily Living
Purposes
✓ To maintain the healthy state of mouth, gums, teeth and lips.
✓ To remove food particles from and between the teeth.
✓ To stimulate appetite.
✓ To provide a sense of well-being
✓ To remove dental plaque.
✓ To prevent sores and infection of the oral tissue.
✓ To relieve discomfort resulting from halitosis and taste.
✓ To prevent gum inflammation and infection.
✓ To prevent the mucous membrane from becoming dry.
✓ To prevent sores, which results in ulceration.
✓ To maintain the intactness and health of the lips and oral cavity.
✓ To prevent oral infections
✓ To clean and moisten the membranes of the mouth and lips.
Activity of Daily Living
Supplies Needed:
• Toothbrush with soft bristles
• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash (or solution noted on the care plan)
• Dental Floss
• Water cup with cool water
• Padded tongue blade
• Sponge Swabs
• Kidney basin
• Hand towel
• Gloves
Activity of Daily Living
Hair Care
Hair Shampooing - Is the cosmetic act of keeping hair clean by washing it
with shampoo or other detergent products and water. - Hair conditioner may
also be used to improve hair’s texture and manageability.
Purposes
✓ To remove tangles from the hair
✓ To preserve or keep the hair in good condition during illness.
✓ To observe the presence of the lice without the patient’s being aware of it.
✓ To prevent infection.
✓ In preparation for diagnosis procedures involving the head.
Activity of Daily Living
Supplies Needed:
• Two bath towels
• Washcloth
• Shampoo
• Hair condition (if requested)
• Bath thermometer
• Pitcher or hand-held nozzle (if needed)
• Shampoo tray (if needed)
• Basin or pain (if needed)
• Waterproof pad (if needed)
• Gloves (if needed)
• Comb and brush
• Hair dryer
Activity of Daily Living
Bathing
Bathing is important part of personal hygiene. It cleanses the skin makes the patient more
comfortable. It stimulates the circulation and relaxes the patient. - Its good opportunity to
serve and observe the client body and as well as communicate with the patient.
Purpose
✓ Helps a person feel relaxed and refreshed.
✓ Cleans the skin and eliminates body odors.
✓ Exercise muscles that might otherwise not be used.
✓ Stimulates blood flow to the skin (through touching and massaging of the skin), which
helps to prevent skin breakdown.
✓ Helps the patient or resident meet the needs of love and belonging and self-esteem.
✓ Gives the nursing assistant an opportunity to observe for skin problems and to
communicate and bond with the patient or resident.
Activity of Daily Living
Guidelines:
1. Follow the doctor’s orders or nursing care plan when determining what type of bath, the person is to receive.
2. Before beginning the bath, explain to the person how the bathing procedure will be carried out (and how the person can
assist in the process). In addition, explain the benefits of bathing (such as comfort, healthy skin).
3. Collect all necessary equipment, linens, bath products, and clothing before beginning the bath. If the person will be taking
a tub bath, check the tub room for cleanliness and prepare the tub before bringing the person into the room.
4. Close all doors and windows in the room, and make sure the blinds are down or the curtains are drawn.
5. Place a non-skid mat in the bathtub or on the shower floor. Encourage the person to use handrails. Provide a shower chair
for people who are weak or unsteady.
6. Never lock the bathroom door.
7. Always check the temperature of the water using a bath thermometer.
8. When assisting a person to and from the tub room, always make sure that he or she is adequately covered.
9. Always help the person into and out of the bathtub or shower.
Activity of Daily Living
I - Complete Bath - Washing the person’s entire body in bed. - Given to
persons who cannot bathe themselves - Are usually needed by persons
who are: Unconscious, paralyzed, in casts of Traction, and weak from
illness or surgery - Involves washing the face, hand, leg, under arms,
genitals/perineal area.
II. Partial Bath - Involves bathing the face, hands, axillae (underarms),
back, buttocks, and perineal area.
III. Tub Bath
Activity of Daily Living
Perineal Care
Involves cleaning the genital and anal area.
Purpose:
✓ Prevention of infection.
✓ Prevention of skin breakdown and odor.
Activity of Daily Living
Brushing & Combing Hair
- Are part of early morning care, morning care, and afternoon care.
And they are done whenever needed. Some people also brush and
comb hair at bedtime. Make sure you provide hair care before visitors
arrive. - Increase blood flow to the scalp and it brings scalp oils along
the hair shaft. - Prevent tangled and matted hair. - To brush and comb
hair, start at the scalp. Then brush or comb to the hair ends.
Shaving
To cut (the beard, for example) at the surface of the skin with a razor or
shaver.
Activity of Daily Living
Rules for Shaving
1. Use electric shaves for persons taking anticoagulant drugs. Never use safety razors.
2. Protect bed linens. Place a towel under the part being shaved. Or place a towel across the person’s chest and shoulders to protect clothing.
3. Soften the skin before shaving. Apply a warm, moist washcloth or towel to the face for a few minutes.
4. Encourage the person to do as much as safety possible.
5. Hold the skin taut as needed.
6. Shave in the correct direction.
7. Shaving the face with a safety razor-shave in the direction of hair growth.
8. Shaving the underarms with a safety razor-shave in the direction of hair growth.
9. Shaving the legs with safety razor-shave up from the ankles. This is against hair growth.
10. Using an electric shaver-shave against the direction of hair growth. If using a rotary-type shaver, move the shaver in small circles over the face.
11. Do not cut, nick, or irritate the skin
12. Rinse the body part thoroughly.
13. Apply direct pressure to nicks or cuts
14. Report nicks, cuts, irritation to the nurse at once.
Activity of Daily Living
Supplies Needed:
• Wash basin
• Bath towel
• Hand towel
• Washcloth
• Safety razor
• Mirror
• Shaving cream, soap, or lotion
• Shaving brush
• After-shave or lotion
• Tissues or paper towels
• Paper towels
• Gloves
Activity of Daily Living
Nail and Foot Care
- Involves soaking to soften cuticles and layers of horny cells, through
cleaning, drying, and proper nail trimming.
- Patients with diabetes mellitus should not soak their nails because of
the risk of over drying the feet and developing breaks in the skin with
resulting infection.
- When providing nail care, the patient remains in bed or sits in a chair -
In some settings or with specific patients such as a person with
diabetes mellitus, you need a health care provider’s order to trim
toenails achiever
Activity of Daily Living
Supplies Needed:
• Wash basin or whirlpool foot bath
• Soap
• Bath thermometer
• Bath towel
• Hand towel
• Washcloth
• Kidney basin
• Orangewood stick
• Emery board or nail file
• Lotion for the hands and feet
• Paper towels
• Bathmat
• Gloves
Activity of Daily Living
Changing Garments
Undressing/Dressing the Person and Changing Gown with IV Rules
1. Provide for privacy. Do not expose the person.
2. Encourage the person to do as much as possible.
3. Let the person choose what to wear. Make sure the person chooses the right undergarments.
4. Make sure garments and footwear are the correct size.
5. Many agencies have gowns and footwear for persons with bariatric needs.
6. Remove clothing from the strong or “good” side first. This is often called the unaffected side.
7. Put clothing on the side with IV infusion or weak side first. This is often called the affected side.
8. Support the arm or leg when removing or putting on a garment.
9. Move and handle the body gently. Do not force a joint beyond its range of motion or to the point
of pain.