Try: If cr can still shower or take a bath without assistance install non-slip strips or a mat
Materials: Non-slip strips or a rubber bath mat
Categories: Sage, Topic, Personal
Information: n/a
References: guide to in-home senior safety by home watch care givers available at www homewatchcaregivers com
Keywords: Falls bathing bath tub shower bathroom safety
*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed
Try: If there is a door on the shower make sure it opens and closes easily to ensure safe entry and exit as well as privacy
Materials: n/a
Categories: Sage, Topic, Personal
Information: n/a
References: guide to in-home senior safety by home watch care givers available at www homewatchcaregivers com
Keywords: Falls bathing bath tub shower bathroom safety
*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed
Try: Position the cr cr’s bottom above the middle of the bed keep the foot of the bed slightly elevated
Materials: n/a
Categories: Personal, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Immobile
Information: n/a
References: Adapted from the internet website www docstoc com – compassionate community care – best practice caring for the bed bound client 2009
Keywords: Bedbound bed scrunches down
*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed
Try: Soak dentures in bleach to get rid of the odor add in one teaspoon of bleach to one cup of water for 30 minutes and rinse well before putting dentures back in the cr cr’s mouth avoid boiling dentures in water because they may warp or become damaged avoid cleaning dentures with household cleansers or abrasives like comet or ajax use a denture brush to clean both inside and outside of dentures remember to brush the metal clasp on partials to get rid of or avoid odor
Materials: Bleach denture brush
Categories: Personal
Information: n/a
References: Adapted from the internet website www badbreath-cure info dentures causing bad breath by staff writer no date
Keywords: Dentures cleaning dentures bad breath dental problems
*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed
Try: Assist the cr into a sitting position if possible if not position the cr on his or her side explain the task to the cr before and during mouth care wash your hands and put on a pair of disposable gloves place towels around the front of the cr’s neck and under his or her mouth fill a drinking glass half full of fresh water and moisten the tooth brush or several oral swabs apply a small amount of toothpaste to the toothbrush or oral swab ask the cr to open his or her mouth or gently open the mouth for the cr gently move the sponge or toothbrush from top gum down the upper teeth rinse the toothbrush or use another oral swab move the toothbrush or oral swab from bottom of gum to top of lower teeth until all teeth have been cleansed with clean toothbrush or new oral swab cleanse the tongue from back to front to remove any debris or thick oral secretions if the cr is able to rinse his or her mouth mix a small amount of mouthwash in water and ask the cr to rinse and spit into an empty glass if the cr is unable to rinse his or her mouth moisten an oral swab in a mixture of one part mouthwash to ten parts water and swab the mouth moisten lips with small amount of petroleum jelly or commercial lip moistening product remove the towel cleanse toothbrush and place on a paper towel to allow the brush to dry throw away used oral swabs remove disposable gloves and wash your hands remove the drinking glasses rinse and clean as usual
Materials: Disposable gloves soft toothbrush or oral swabs also called oral sponges toothpaste three drinking glasses pitcher of fresh water towel mouthwash
Categories: Personal, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision
Information: n/a
References: Adapted from the head to toe care llc internet website www headtotoecare com mouth care 2009
Keywords: Bedbound teeth brushing teeth mouth mouth care dental care
*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed
Try: Get clothing for the cr that is easy to put on wear and take off look for clothing that has large front fasteners zippers and velcro tabs over-the-head loose-fitting clothing elastic waistbands wraparounds and reversible fabric really help choose underpants that are soft and loosely constructed if cr has problems with bras try using an undershirt or a t-shirt instead avoid tight socks that can cut off circulation try tube socks choose slip-on shoes with non-skid soles tennis shoes with velcro closures work well try pants with elastic waistbands consider jogging suits or sweat pants because they are easy to get in and out of and are comfortable if cr likes to wear the same clothes every day consider getting several outfits that look alike
Materials: n/a
Categories: Personal, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware
Information: n/a
References: Adapted from the internet website www ec-online net eldercare skill builders by staff writer 1988
Keywords: Dressing getting dressed clothing
*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed
Try: Some intimate procedures may be uncomfortable for either you the cr or both of you for example giving a bath going to the toilet using a bedpan changing incontinence pads getting dressed or changing soiled sheets do not allow your uneasiness to show the cr may already be embarrassed by the situation take his or her feelings into consideration as you carry out your tasks be gentle helpful and kind do not joke around show anger or be harsh about the matter
Materials: n/a
Categories: Personal, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware
Information: n/a
References: Adapted from the complete guide to home nursing by diana hastings rgn rcnt
Keywords: Bedpan intimate issues unease uncomfortable
*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed
Try: Some intimate procedures may be uncomfortable for either you the cr or both of you for example giving a bath going to the toilet using a bedpan changing incontinence pads getting dressed or changing soiled sheets do not allow your uneasiness to show the cr may already be embarrassed by the situation take his or her feelings into consideration as you carry out your tasks be gentle helpful and kind do not joke around show anger or be harsh about the matter
Materials: n/a
Categories: Personal, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware
Information: n/a
References: Adapted from the complete guide to home nursing by diana hastings rgn rcnt
Keywords: Bedpan intimate issues unease uncomfortable
*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed
Try: Ensure the cr’s bed is protected with plastic sheeting change bed linens often for cleanliness and to keep dry change incontinence pads as soon as they become wet to avoid infection and skin issues keep the bedroom and bathroom odor-free by cleaning frequently opening windows and using air freshener if necessary ensure the cr drinks 8 ounces of fluids each day but stop offering liquid 2-3 hours before bedtime keep a bedpan or portable commode close by the cr and suggest he or she use it every 2-3 hours
Materials: n/a
Categories: Personal, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware
Information: n/a
References: n/a
Keywords: Incontinence odor physical functions
*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed
Try: Try and make grooming a pleasant and relaxing experience play music in the background to create a spa or salon experience whenever possible ask the cr how he or she would like his or her hair done and try your best to accommodate men enjoy wearing aftershave and smelling nice women enjoy having their nails painted
Materials: Razors scissors hair supplies toiletries nail polish music
Categories: Personal
Information: n/a
References: n/a
Keywords: Shaving trimming beard combing hair styling hair fixing hair trimming fingernails and toenails
*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed