While much good care may be given instinctively and with common sense, personal care skills are based in theory and principles and may be learned at any age. Lifting, transferring, bathing, toileting, feeding, and grooming techniques and skills are included in the following content.

 Many of the adults who need care will be unable to move from one place to another independently. The physical limitations of their conditions are caused by lack of voluntary control over muscles, difficulty in maintaining equilibrium, or poor body righting abilities.

   Physical limitations can be particularly difficult for individuals with some sort of brain damage, such as individuals who have had a stroke. A person who has had central nervous system damage may have abnormal posture, weakness on one side, or poor reflexes. These individuals may need assistance in positioning, transferring, and movement. Proper handling and positioning techniques are important in order to maximize the person's comfort and ability to function on a day-to-day basis.

   Safety factors for both the physically limited individual and you, the caregiver, should be known and followed as much as possible. More serious injuries occur to individuals and health care providers while moving a person from one surface to another than during any other aspect of health care. Much of this injury occurs because of improper procedures being used while lifting heavy persons and objects. Sometimes, in an effort to get work done more quickly, a person will lift too much or will use poor body mechanics while lifting.

   Guidelines are provided within this topic to help you avoid unnecessary injury to yourself or to the person you are assisting. Please remember that many fine ways have been developed by individuals to give good personal care to older adults. Many ways work well. The guidelines in the topics below are suggestions which can help. However, when you are giving personal care, try to get instructions from a professional such as a nurse, who can tailor suggestions to meet your unique situation.

For additional information, please check the following:

   Bed Bath

   Lift From The Floor

  Transfer and Lifting Rules

  Transferring

  Tub Bath or Shower

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