Sometimes folks I visit are known to avoid and\/or have active resistance to activities of daily living (ADLs) for hygiene care.\u00a0\u00a0 There are undoubtedly many overlapping factors to this: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a volunteer, I am not trained or authorized in providing care for toileting, taking care of teeth\/dentures, responding to wounds, or anything related to medications.\u00a0 But I attempt to support a positive atmosphere by explaining what is happening if I am present during a nurse\/aide visit (e.g., \u201cThis pudding has your medicine.\u00a0 It helps for pain.\u201d), and by providing materials that I hope promote understanding and calm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I compiled a \u2018series\u2019 of four booklets all themed around \u201cWashing Up\u201d and which have the exact same text.\u00a0 The images in the first one all feature ducks<\/a><\/strong>, the second all have dogs<\/a><\/strong>, the third is all cars\/vehicles<\/a><\/strong> (with people more visible in most images), and only the last one uses images of elderly persons<\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0 My thinking was that having multiple versions without people could reinforce the concepts in a gentle and non-threatening way.\u00a0 I use these during my visits completely unrelated to their hygiene care schedule in the hope that it helps build their understanding of these tasks and increases their feeling comfortable.\u00a0 Often I leave copies for family and staff to consider at other times and also have example language they could use when providing hygiene care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each book has the following text:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Soap is used for washing up.\u00a0 Water rinses off bubbles.\u00a0 Dry off with a soft towel.\u00a0 Hair can be combed.\u00a0 Special brushes are used to reach important parts.\u00a0 Washing up is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n End blip (for now).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Sometimes folks I visit are known to avoid and\/or have active resistance to activities of daily living (ADLs) for hygiene care.\u00a0\u00a0 There are undoubtedly many overlapping factors to this: Related to sensory difficulties and changes to their thinking, they may not understand what is happening, or why it is important. Related to sensory difficulties and … Continue reading ADLs — Washing Up<\/span>