Reading Skills for Healthcare Workers

An important part of good hygiene is keeping the body clean. While many people take a shower daily, some people enjoy a quick bath, just to get clean, or a hot bubble bath to soak and relax in at the end of the day.

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There are many benefits of bathing. Bathing removes body odors, dead skin cells and bacteria, and stimulates circulation. In addition to physical benefits, bathing can help people feel relaxed and refreshed. Having clean hair and a clean body helps to improve a person’s self-image and self-esteem, which often leads to improved mood and social interactions.

Sometimes, when people are very sick, elderly, or have recently had surgery, they may not be able to get out of bed and go to the bathroom to get clean. Another person will need to clean them in their beds with water, soap, a basin, washcloths, and towels. This is called a “bed bath.”

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Some elderly or ill people or those with physical disabilities might be able to get out of bed and go to the shower or bathtub, but they might need some assistance. If they are strong enough to stand up and walk by themselves, they might only need another person there with them, just to observe and be sure they are safe. If one or two nursing assistants are not enough, a mechanical lift may be necessary.  This is a machine with straps or other attachments that can be secured to a resident (by the arms, waist, etc.) to assist with moving the person from one location to another, such as from a bed to the bathroom.

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Still others might be able to stand up and get to the bathroom, but a nursing assistant might need to help them get into a wheelchair or shower chair, help them walk with a walker or crutches, or just walk next to the person with arms around his or her waist for support.

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However a person needs to bathe, nursing assistants play an important role in the process.