unit 249

1.1Explain why personal hygiene is important
Personal hygiene is important for feeling good, comfortable and clean – good personal hygiene means the reduction of body odour which can be unpleasant for the individual and others. Personal hygiene also makes you have feelings of self-worth and can make you feel valued.
1.2 Describe the effects of poor personal hygiene on health and well-being
Not maintaining own personal hygiene can make the individual’s skin break down, this can in turn cause sores and can lead to infections and pain for the individual. The individual may have body odour which will make others find it unpleasant to be around them.
2.1 Explain how to address personal hygiene issues with an individual in a sensitive manner without imposing own values
It is important to be sensitive and not impose own values upon the individual; there may be cultural issues or issues around privacy that have to be considered. I will explain to the individual that I will always respect their right to privacy and that I’m there to help them.
2.2 Describe how to make an individual aware of the effects of poor hygiene on others
When they are toileting to explain to them why it’s important to wash their hands etc. Or I could put up posters, provide them with leaflets etc.
2.3 Describe how to support an individual to develop and improve personal hygiene routines
We must start by showing them the proper way to maintain personal hygiene. It is essential that we tell them when they are doing it right and why the technique is effective.
3.1 Identify factors that contribute to good personal hygiene
Factors include: washing, showering; washing hair; cleaning clothes; keeping nails clean; washing hands after using the toilet, etc.
3.2 Explain how to support the preferences and needs of the individual while maintaining their independence
Preferences and needs include: any particular requirements around personal hygiene determined by an individual’s culture/faith/belief/religion
3.3 Describe how to maintain dignity of an individual when supporting intimate personal hygiene
Maintain Dignity – includes privacy, having trust on both sides, being professional, awareness of abuse, averting eye contact to avoid embarrassment, being gentle, being able to empathise etc.
3.4 Describe risks to own health in supporting personal hygiene routines
Infection control is about minimising the way infections spread. The way waste is disposed can cause infections. Staff have to know which colour bag is for what and dispose of waste correctly e.g. yellow bag is for the incontinence pads, sanitary items, wound dressings and used gloves. I wear gloves because I will be handling body fluids.
3.5 Describe how to reduce risks to own health
We can reduce through infection control techniques
3.6 Identify others who may be involved in supporting the individual to maintain personal hygiene
Others may include: the individual themselves, their partner, friend, relative, continence advisor, key worker and other staff

4.1 Identify underlying personal issues that may be a cause of poor personal hygiene
There are many conditions that can affect the way in which personal hygiene is maintained. These can be physical, psychological, social or as a result of a period in hospital. Poor personal hygiene can result in a risk of infection and illnesses and also cause many social issues to arise as a result of odours and appearance.

4.2 Describe how underlying personal issues might be addressed
Underlying personal issues may include: financial issues, abuse, health issues etc.