Activites of Daily Living
Jordan Trevino
Importance of ADL'sRefers to the daily self-care activities within an individuals place of residence
"The things we normally do...such as feeding ourselves, bathing, dressing, grooming, work, and leisure."
Basic ADL's
• Personal hygiene
• Dressing and Undressing
• Self feeding
• Functional Transfers
• Bowel and Bladder Management
Shaving
• Shaving is necessary for proper hygiene
• Shaving improves the patients self-image and studies have shown that it also helps you feel better faster
• Consider the patients medications such as anti-coagulants!
Notice the cheeks are covered in shaving cream and skin is being pulled
Steps to Shaving
• 1. Use a brand new razor to ensure proper cleanliness
• 2. Wash hands and put on gloves
• 3. Introduce yourself to the patient and what you'll be doing
Steps to Shaving (cont.)
• 4. Place dry hand towel on patients chest
• 5. Run another hand towel under warm water use to moisten patients cheek and neck
• 6. Apply shaving cream to area
Steps to Shaving• 7. Use free hand to pull skin taut and
shave from the top of the cheek downwards
• 8. Repeat with whole area and shave beneath the chin
• 9. Use rinsed wash clothed to wipe excess shaving cream off once done
Steps to Feed a Patient
Introduce yourself and ask if they would like to use the bathroom then afterward, wash the patients hands
Give them time for denture care if needed
Move the head of the bed above 30 degrees to prevent choking
Give the patient the correct meal plan and double check to make sure
Check the food temperature
Feeding a Patient
Some patients aren't capable of feeding themselves and require assistance to eat
Tips on Feeding a Patient
Make sure the patient feels as though they still retain their freedom
Ask if they would like water after every few bites of their food
Make sure to watch for pocketing within the patients cheeks
Pocketed food becomes a breeding ground for bacteria
Pocketing also leads to tooth decay and gum disease