In palliative care, maintaining personal hygiene is not just about staying clean; it's about preserving dignity and your patient’s comfort.

1. Dressing and Undressing
Start with the patient's weaker side when dressing, and remove clothing from the stronger side first when undressing. This method reduces strain and ensures a smooth process.

Undressing and dressing a person who needs assistance
1. Making the end reward a nice experience. Ie. A warm bath or a cool bed.
2. Distract the patient with a funny story or song
3. If a patient is clutching at their clothes, distract them by putting something else in their hand ie. Juice or a book

2. Bed Bathing
Bed bathing is a crucial aspect of patient care, especially for those who are immobile. It allows patients to feel refreshed without having to leave their bed. Bathing a person regularly is an important way to help keep their skin healthy. It can help prevent infections, and it's a good time to check for sores or rashes. The mobility of the patient determines how you will be able to assist them. A person who can't move well or who can't move at all needs a bed bath. This is often called a sponge bath, but washcloths are often used too. You can give a full bath in bed without getting the bed sheets wet. Let the person clean themself as much as possible. As you help to undress and bathe them, try to be as relaxed as possible. If you are calm and don't seem embarrassed, they may feel more comfortable.

• When preparing for a bed bath make sure to get all your materials ready before starting the bathing process itself.
• A table or stand to hold the materials might make the process easier for both parties.
• Ask the patient if the room temperature is satisfactory, and change the temperature if you can.
• Make sure that the bed is high enough so that you don't hurt your back.
• Place a waterproof mat or sheet under the person to keep the bed dry.
• And for privacy, make sure the door and curtains are shut.

When you help someone to take a bed bath you have a chance to check the skin for redness or sores. Pay special attention to areas with creases, and folds, such as beneath the breasts or in the folds on the stomach and the groin area. Check bony areas, such as the elbows, shoulders and heels for bed sores.

• Start by filling two bowls with warm water.
- The first bowl for soaping up a washcloth and wringing it out. - Second to hold clean water for rinsing the soap off.
• Test the water to make sure it's not too hot.
• Let the patient do as much as they are able to themselves.
• Cover the person with a towel, exposing only the body parts being washed.
• Wash with a washcloth and soapy water.
• Then rinse using another washcloth and clear water.
• Use a new washcloth when you need one.
• Wash the face, ears, and neck.
• Wash the arms one at a time, then the hands.
• Wash the chest and belly, including the belly button.
• To wash under skin folds, and be sure to dry the skin.
• Wash one leg at a time.
• Wash the feet and in between the toes.
• Help the patient roll on their side so you can wash the back side.

When you are done with the bath, apply unscented body lotion to protect the skin from drying out. Don't put lotion on areas that can become moist A person who can move a little may be able to take a shower with some help. Or the person may prefer a partial bath at the sink or with a basin.

Here are some tips on making the bathing process a little easier on everyone involved.
1. Using a shower instead of a bath tub or dish.
2. Stay calm, create a routine and take it step by step.
3. Remember that your patient’s dignity and comfort comes first. As long as they are covered with a towel or bath blanket they might feel more comfortable receiving assistance.
4. Do not use slippery oils or bubble bath.
5. Provide support – ie. Bathrails, bath or shower chair.
6. Make sure the temperature in the room is comfortable for the patient
7. Make sure you have everything ready ahead of the time, ie. Bath water, towels, clothes.
8. Make sure you have adequent lighting
9. Keep the are safe of obsticles or dangerous equipment
10. Allow the patient to do as much themselves as possible 11. Avoid forcing/arguing
12. Always ask permission before touching your patient.

3. Washing Hair in Bed:
Washing a patient's hair while they’re in bed can be a challenge, but it’s possible with the right tools. A waterproof sheet, a plastic basin, and a cup for rinsing are essential. Gently massage the scalp and use lukewarm water to rinse. This process not only cleanses but also provides a relaxing experience for the patient. Remember to keep hair in an easy to care for style.

4. Dealing with Lice and Dandruff
Lice and dandruff can occur even in bedridden patients, and dealing with these conditions requires care and attention. Use special medicated shampoos or lotions to treat lice, following instructions carefully. For dandruff, gentle, medicated shampoos can help soothe irritation. Remember to always consult with a medical Expert / Hospice Nurse and to always explain each step to the patient, offering comfort and assurance during this process.

5. Shaving
For men who need assistance with shaving, electric razors are usually the safest option. Gently support the skin to avoid cuts.

6. Making a Bed with a Patient in It
When a patient is unable to leave the bed, making it can seem daunting. However, it's important for their comfort.
Roll the patient gently to one side
Change one half of the bedding at a time.
Use fresh, wrinkle-free sheets to prevent bedsores,
Ensure the patient is in a comfortable position once the task is completed.

It is important to maintain proper hygiene while ensuring the dignity and comfort of your patient and their loved ones.