Eating and drinking
Think:
Does the person
- Need any help with eating?
- Need special cutlery or equipment?
- Have the opportunity to wash their hands before and after eating?
Ask:
- Has the person been given a choice of food and drink?
- Does the person have any difficulty swallowing?
Do:
- Ensure a choice of food and drink to meet any special needs.
- Make sure food and drink is in easy reach.
- Help with eating and drinking if needed.
- Let the person take their time – eating should be a sociable and pleasurable activity.
Using the toilet
Think:
Has the person had an assessment of their toileting needs i.e.
- How frequently they require the toilet
- What aids they require
Has the person's privacy and dignity been maintained?
Ask:
- Does the person have a choice regarding their use of the toilet?
Do:
- Offer timely and prompt assistance if required
- Offer the opportunity for hand washing and check fingernails for cleanliness and length.
Dignity and respect
Think:
- Treat the person as an individual
- Be aware of the person’s ability to understand and make decisions for
- themselves. Never make assumptions based on a diagnosis.
- Do your best to make people in your care feel happy, comfortable and included
- What is the impact of your behaviour and your actions on the individual?
Ask:
- The person how they would like to be addressed
- The person about their preferences, wishes and cultural needs,
- family set up and life story.
Do:
- Involve the person, and their next of kin when appropriate,
- in all discussions and decisions
- Make sure the person has as much choice as possible in their clothing, as in all areas of their life.
Mobility
Think:
- Is the person able to leave their bed/chair and move around without help?
- If they need any equipment, is it available?
- Have any risks been identified and addressed?
- How can you help them maintain or regain their independence?
Ask:
- The person (or their next of kin) about their NORMAL mobility and routine
Do:
- Encourage the person to move around
- Ensure that walking aids are available and accessible
- Check the person’s foot hygiene and toenails
- Ensure the person’s footwear is clean and well fitting
- Ensure the person has appropriate seating and is positioned correctly.
Communication
Think:
- Have you have understood the person and has the person understood you?
Ask:
- Has the person been assessed for hearing, sight and language difficulties?
- If any aids they are using are working correctly.
Do:
- Use plain language and simple explanations
- Maintain eye contact with the person.