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3

Personal Care and Hygiene

This module covers the essential skills for assisting with personal hygiene, including bed baths, oral care, and dressing. Every technique is taught with dignity and respect at the centre.

5-6 hours CORE - Dignity-Critical Not Started

Learning Objectives

1
Prepare all supplies for a bed bath before beginning
2
Perform a complete bed bath following the correct sequence, maintaining client coverage at all times
3
Demonstrate proper perineal care technique (front-to-back for hygiene)
4
Assist with oral care including denture cleaning
5
Assist with dressing/undressing a person with limited mobility
6
Explain and demonstrate at least 4 dignity-preserving practices during personal care
7
Identify skin changes that should be reported

Educational content only. This training material is for informational purposes. Always follow your employer's specific protocols and consult qualified medical professionals for clinical guidance.

Module 3 Learning Material

Dignity in Personal Care

Personal care is the most intimate part of caregiving. How you approach it determines whether the person feels respected or humiliated. Before touching anyone, remember these principles:

  • Knock or announce yourself before entering their space
  • Explain what you are going to do before you do it
  • Only uncover the part of the body you are currently washing
  • Offer choices wherever possible ("Would you like to wash your face yourself?")
  • Use the person's preferred name or title
  • Talk to them naturally during care - do not work in silence

The Bed Bath

Gather all supplies BEFORE starting:

  • Two basins (one for soapy water, one for rinsing)
  • Clean cloths or flannels
  • Mild soap
  • Towels for drying
  • Clean clothes for after
  • Barrier cream if needed

Washing Sequence

Always work from the cleanest area to the least clean:

  1. Face - use plain water, no soap near the eyes. Wipe from inner eye outward.
  2. Neck and ears
  3. Arms and hands - wash, rinse, dry, then cover
  4. Chest and abdomen - uncover only this area, wash, cover again
  5. Legs and feet - pay attention between toes
  6. Back - help the person turn on their side
  7. Perineal area - always wash front to back. Use a fresh cloth.

Dressing with Limited Mobility

When helping someone dress who has weakness on one side:

  • Dressing: Affected limb goes IN first
  • Undressing: Affected limb comes OUT last

This minimises the range of movement needed for the weaker side.

Skin Changes to Report

During every bath, observe the skin for:

  • Redness that does not fade when pressed
  • Broken skin or new cuts
  • Rashes or unusual marks
  • Bruising (especially if unexplained)
  • Swelling
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Pressure Sore Prevention and Skin Care