dress a resident who has a weak arm

start strong

end strong

materials

• socks

• pants

• shirt

all residents choice

opening

• introduction

• close curtain

• wash hands

• use table to carry clothes from linen closet; ask pt which options they want [socks, shirt, pants]

prep

untuck the top sheet from the foot of the bed so they can move freely

sock procedure

• announce you’re going to put socks on

• life top sheet to expose feet

• apply socks without holding onto pt joint

tip: bunch up sock at toes and roll down

• run hand down sock to release wrinkles

pants procedure

• bunch up pants and slide over feet

double check tag is in back

• UNDER SHEET: slowly pull up the pants

• lift gown up to put pants underneath

• ask pt on count of 3 to lift hips up to pull pants all the way up

shirt procedure

• have pt sit up on count of 3 to untie gown

• hold sheet at their shoulder while you untie the gown

• lay them back down

• under sheet: bunch up/roll down stronger arm first, move fabric to other side of body

• walk around bed and undress on weak side —> can slightly move gown so arm stays still

• let pt know you’re putting gown in hamper

• dress the weaker arm first — minimal movement

• ask pt to sit up while you move shirt around back

• walk to other side and dress the stronger arm— can move arm around

• bring sides of shirt on top of sheet and button every single button

closing

• fold sheets all the way down to feet

• smooth out wrinkles in close— cuff longer pants/sleeves

• put table back in og location

• place call light in strong hand

• can i get you anything

• open curtain

• wash hands