Personal Care - Toileting, Shaving, Bathing and Dressing

Toileting

Please watch the video below to understand the best ways to help clients with toileting: using the toilet, using a bedpan (for those who find it difficult to go to the toilet) and changing diapers. As a reminder, caregivers should:

• not be inserting catheters

• only provide ostomy care when there is no need for skilled personal skin care, observation, or for reporting to a nurse

• not be performing digital stimulation, inserting suppositories or giving an enema

Shaving

For safety purposes, caregivers may only assist clients with shaving when using an electric or a safety razor

Bathing

When it comes to bathing, we want the client to be safe (from falls and water temperature) as well as help them enjoy it as much as possible (dignity, independence, etc). Please watch the two videos below to understand best practices when it comes to helping someone with bathing / showering and someone who requires bed baths:

Giving a shower / bath:

How to give a bed bath:

Dressing

Many seniors need help with dressing. Our goal is to do it in a way that is safe, respectful and enjoyable as possible.

Key Principles

• Encourage Independence and Choice: Allow the senior to do as much as they can for themselves. Offer assistance only when needed. Encourage the senior to make choices to the degree they are able to

• Patience and Respect: Dressing can be time-consuming. Allow ample time and maintain a calm, respectful demeanor to prevent anxiety and frustration

• Dignity and Privacy: Always provide privacy and keep the senior covered as much as possible to ensure comfort and respect their modesty

• Communication: Explain each step using simple, clear instructions (e.g., "Put your arm in the sleeve") rather than complex commands

Step 1: Preparation

• Gather Supplies: Collect a full, clean outfit (including undergarments and socks/shoes) that is appropriate for the weather and planned activities

• Organize Clothing: Lay the clothes out in the order they will be put on (underwear, shirt, pants, socks, shoes). This visual guide simplifies the process

• Ensure Safety: Make sure the room is warm enough and well-lit. Have a sturdy chair or the bed available for the senior to sit on to prevent falls

• Wash Hands: Wash your hands thoroughly before you begin

• Explain the Process: Briefly explain what you will be doing to the senior

Step 2: The Dressing Process

• Lower Body (Sitting/Standing):

  • Assist the senior to a seated position on a sturdy chair or the edge of the bed.

  • Put on underwear and pants. If the person can stand and hold onto a grab bar for support, help them pull the garments up to their waist. If not, help them lift their hips while lying down to pull them up.

  • Put on socks and shoes. Use your hand inside the sock to guide it over the toes and heel smoothly. Ensure shoes are secure but not too tight.

• Upper Body (Pullover Shirts):

  • If the senior has a weak or affected side (e.g., due to a stroke), always dress that side first.

  • Gather the sleeve material and guide it onto the weak arm, then slip the shirt over their head, and finally put the strong arm into the second sleeve.

  • Reverse the process for undressing: remove the strong arm first, then the affected arm, and finally lift the shirt over the head.

• Upper Body (Button-up Shirts):

  • Again, dress the affected arm first, then the stronger arm.

  • For undressing, remove the strong arm first and the affected arm next

Step 3: Post-Dressing

• Check for Comfort: Ensure there are no tight spots / misalignments in the clothing that could cause pressure points or discomfort

• Final Touches: Assist with accessories, hair, or makeup if the senior desires, helping them feel confident and connected to their identity

• Wash Hands: Wash your hands after completing the task