Many healthcare workers wonder why they need to clean their hands when they’re wearing gloves. The short answer is that they need to wash or sanitise their hands before wearing gloves because the gloves used for routine patient care are not put on in a sterile manner.
Making informed decisions on appropriate glove choices is always about matching the level of risk involved in the task to be completed to suitable products.
Since the late 1980s’, the practice of using protective gloves has become part of everyday nursing home life, ensuring healthcare staff and those being cared for are protected from contracting infections via micro-organisms transmitted during certain skin-to-skin contact.
Seating is important when we think of preventing pressure ulcers, but it is often overlooked when making purchases for a chair. When we think of seating in the nursing and care environments, we need to make sure that the prevention of pressure damage remains at the top of the list.
The use of mobile hoists, tracking hoists and stand aids has now become an integral part of care within our care facilities and in the community to assist carers in the moving of residents and to reduce healthcare related injuries to carers and staff.
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We have compiled this article with the sole purpose of sharing our knowledge and additional research we have undertaken regarding the provision of crash tested wheelchairs, after receiving lots of requests for help, advice and clarification from our customers.
Each year, individuals of all ages all around the world are diagnosed with feeding or swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). Put simply, dysphagia can be described as difficulty moving food, liquid, saliva or medication from the mouth to the stomach.
The use of hoists and slings is an integral part of delivering health and social care services in the UK. The benefits of using mobile hoists can outweigh the risks associated with lifting people when residents are given a care risk assessment and have a robust hoisting plan in place.
For ladies and gents living with Dementia, there are complex interactions with the mealtime environment plus many eating difficulties which can affect nutritional intake.
Jo Bonser, MD of HCSUK, speaks from personal experience on this very prevalent challenge, as she helped to care for her own Mum who was living at home with Vascular Dementia.
The normal swallow is a complex process that involves precisely coordinated movements within the mouth (oral cavity), throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx), and food pipe (oesophagus). Dysphagia is the medical term for swallowing difficulties. Some people with dysphagia have problems swallowing certain foods or liquids, while others can’t swallow at all (NHS UK). People who have had a stroke, dementia, or have a progressive neurological condition e.g. Parkinson’s disease, MS, MND, or a respiratory condition could be at risk of developing dysphagia.
This condition can cause:
Care providers must take action to ensure that:-
The International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) is a global standard. with terminology and definitions to describe texture modified foods and thickened fluids. used for individuals with dysphagia of all ages, in all care settings, and for all cultures.
With correct plans in place, dining can be transformed and the mealtime experience for residents can be amazing. This has an improved experience for carers, friends, and families as well. Staff should be aware of the contents of the individual’s nutrition/hydration care plan and any Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) recommendations and if any changes are made then make sure staff know about the changes and record appropriately.
All staff should document accurately in food/fluid charts (if applicable) and should know how to raise concerns about the individual’s eating and drinking.
Think about the environment around the dining experience and check the following:
As part of the plan, 'timing' is a factor which will allow for a more independent approach for residents especially being flexibility of timing. You can also create the following as part of the plan:-
How a person is positioned also has to be taken into consideration when thinking of mealtimes:
Optimum positioning is:
Also:
Maintain conversation (about the food/other topics).
The choice of food should be wide and varied with a nice presentation and an appropriate portion size. Check the consistency is correct and that the taste is great.
Allow as much time as needed and ensure mouth is clear of food. Complete mouth care as needed with dignity. Poor oral hygiene increases the risk of aspiration pneumonia from bacteria in food residue, dentures, cavities and saliva.
What do you need to do?
Use a small-headed toothbrush. If possible use a sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) free toothpaste. Brush the tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath. Some people with restricted movements or confusion/memory problems may need help to brush their teeth.
No need to rinse – leave the toothpaste to penetrate the teeth. Rinse the toothbrush in water and always leave it to air dry. It is also important to clean dentures – do NOT use Steradent, only use toothpaste, and brush and rinse after with water.
If you have any questions relating to IDDSI or are coming across challenges implementing the system and would like further guidance or training then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us as at [email protected]csuk.co.uk or telephone us on 01773 713713 we have a great network of experts who can help you.
The CQC refer to this issue in their “Learning from safety incidents”- issue 6, this details a case study where a care plan was not updated to reflect the advice of dysphagia specialists leading to choking incidents.
Also you can request your FREE copy of our Dignified Dining Solutions Guide – to help people with Dementia to eat better, which includes best practice advice and tips to help support your ladies and gents with Dysphagia to enjoy more independent and dignified mealtimes or visit our website to view our range of fit for purpose product solutions to help enable people living with Dysphagia.
