o Sores in the mouth. • Clean the patient’s/client’s nose carefully to remove crusting. Apply lubricating jelly to the nostrils and lips. Elimination • Provide good perineal care and protect the bed appropriately. • Diaper the patient/client if ordered. • Keep the patient’s/client’s skin clean and dry at all times. • Refer to the Home Health Aide Care Plan for orders to provide enemas and/or catheter care. Comfort and Position • Give frequent baths, good skin care, and change gowns and linen as often as necessary. • Use light bed coverings – heavy blankets may make the patient/client feel too warm leading to restlessness. • Good skin care and oral hygiene promotes comfort. • Frequent turning and good body alignment promote comfort and prevents skin breakdown. Be alert to pressure points. Position the patient/client appropriately with pillows. • Elevate the head of the bed to make breathing easier. • Place objects of importance (emotional and physical) close to the patient/client. • Such items as bedside commodes, lotion, and drinking water should be close by to conserve the patient’s/client’s energy. • Listening to the patient’s/client’s stories or reading a family diary, upon the patient’s/client’s request, may be helpful and dearly appreciate.
