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Personal Hygiene In Health Care

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As people age, they can face more difficulties in caring for themselves, therefore they need help with washing, dressing, eating ,drinking and walking. When we look at James’s case study we can see that this client lost his vision and he needs daily support with personal hygiene. Every morning James needs assistance in washing and dressing. We should ask him if he wants a bed bath, a shower or bath to give him a choice. Washing and bathing is an intimate procedure so it is very important to remember about privacy and person’s dignity. The client can feel embarrassed, helpless, resistant or even aggressive. We have to always give him a choice and independence if it is possible. James also has to be allowed the time to wash whatever he could …show more content…
We always have to give him a choice in terms of his clothes and we give him an independence to try to get dressed. The clothes has to be clean and in case of food spillage during the day, they have to be cleaned or changed immediately. As carers we always give clients a choice and make sure that they can make decisions about themselves. “As individuals we can make our own decisions about what we want, how we live, where we socialise…the ability to choose gives us a sense of self-respect and self-worth. Everyone has a right to make choices and as HCA we cannot disregard a client’s wishes, unless the client does not have the cognitive/mental capacity to make the decision/choice. We should facilitate the client where possible. When we facilitate choice we demonstrate respect, and in doing so, help preserve dignity” (Nifast, …show more content…
Whenever we assist him we have to sit down close to him, give him a choice of what he would like to eat and drink, where would he like to sit. We need to check if the food is at a safe temperature because we don’t want to cause any harm. We should always give him small portions of food and allow him the time to swallow. We should encourage him to be independent even in small tasks for example give a small cup of tea into his hands and let him drink tea. A report should be given if the client did not eat, because healthy eating is an important factor in maintaining the client’s health. ”The older person’s diet should consist of a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, dairy product, fruit and vegetables, and oil and/fats. A balance of these foods should keep the body healthy. At least two litres of fluid should be taken in order to promote healthy urinary output, promote good skin integrity, prevent urinary track problems and keep constipation at bay.” (Nifast,

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