2 Hygiene and Personal Care

Purpose and person-centred care

Personal hygiene can include bathing, oral care, grooming, dressing, and skin care. The appropriate approach depends on the person’s abilities, health, preferences, and care plan; there is no single routine for everyone.

Before care, explain what you plan to do and ask permission. Find out what the person can do independently, where assistance is needed, and what would make the care comfortable. Offer reasonable choices and adapt the approach when possible.

Preferences, permission, and independence

Ask about preferred bathing time and method, water temperature, products, clothing, hair and grooming routines, and privacy. Ask respectfully about cultural or religious practices; do not assume preferences based on a person’s background.

Promote independence by letting the person do each step they can safely manage. Allow extra time, give simple directions if helpful, and use adaptive equipment or assistance recommended by the care plan. Keep the person warm and covered except for the area being washed, and maintain privacy.

If the person is distressed or declines care, pause and listen. When appropriate, try another time or approach; do not force routine personal care. Follow the individual care plan and the policies that apply to your role.

Infection prevention

Use hand hygiene and follow Standard Precautions. Wear gloves when contact with body fluids, mucous membranes, or non-intact skin is anticipated. Change gloves and clean hands as required, including after glove removal; gloves do not replace hand hygiene.

Bathing and skin care

Gather supplies before beginning, make sure the room is comfortably warm, and make the bathing area safe. Use a stable shower chair or other prescribed aid when needed. Never leave a person who needs supervision unattended in a bath or shower, and check water comfort with the person.

Use mild soap and warm, not hot, water. Frequent hot bathing and harsh or heavily perfumed products can worsen dry skin. Wash gently, moving from cleaner areas toward dirtier areas, and use clean water and cloths as needed. Clean the face, body, skin folds, feet, and perineal area according to the person’s needs and care plan.

Keep the person covered as much as possible. After bathing, pat the skin dry, especially between folds, and apply an approved moisturizer if appropriate. Protect skin from prolonged dampness and friction; use barrier products only as directed by the care plan.

Observing and reporting skin changes

Observe the skin during care, especially over bony areas and in folds. Report new or persistent redness, open areas, blisters, bruising, rash, swelling, pain, or signs of infection according to workplace procedure. Redness or sores may need prompt assessment.

Follow the care plan and report concerns rather than diagnosing or treating them yourself.

Oral care

Support brushing at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste when appropriate. Clean between teeth as recommended by the person’s dentist or care plan. Help the person sit upright when possible, use a comfortable toothbrush, and encourage them to do as much as they can.

For a person who has difficulty swallowing or cannot safely rinse and spit, follow the care plan.

Denture care and mouth concerns

Handle dentures carefully. Clean them daily using a denture product as directed, and rinse them before returning them to the mouth. Denture cleansers are for use outside the mouth.

Report mouth pain, sores, bleeding gums, broken or poorly fitting dentures, or difficulty eating or swallowing.

Grooming and dressing

Offer help with hair care, shaving, nail care, and personal products in ways that match the person’s routine and preferences. Use safe techniques and equipment. Ask for assistance or follow the care plan when a task may cause injury or is outside your role.

Offer comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and let the person choose when possible. Lay out clothes in the order they will be put on, or offer one item at a time if that makes dressing easier. Adaptive fasteners or loose-fitting garments may help preserve independence.