Health Science & Technology Study Notes: Strand 4 — Assistive Care

Assistive Care

Hands-on support provided to help a person meet everyday needs they cannot fully meet on their own.

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Basic self-care tasks such as bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, grooming, and mobility.

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)

More complex tasks needed for independent living, including cooking, shopping, and managing medication.

Goals of Assistive Care

Include safety, independence, comfort, dignity and privacy, function, and recovery.

Safety

Preventing falls, choking, infections, burns, and medication errors.

Independence

Supporting what a person can do and assisting only where needed.

Comfort

Managing pain, positioning, and emotional comfort.

Dignity and Privacy

Protecting modesty, asking permission, and explaining care tasks.

Total/Dependent Assistance

Situations where the caregiver does most or all of the task.

Supervision/Standby Assist

The caregiver is present for safety cues but does not physically help.

Care Team

A group that may include nurses, physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and others involved in a patient's care.

Physical Therapist (PT)

Focuses on mobility, balance, transfers, gait training, and strengthening.

Occupational Therapist (OT)

Focuses on daily activities, fine motor skills, and home setup.

Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

Focuses on swallowing safety and communication.

Person-Centered Care

Adapting care approaches to individual needs, preferences, and goals.

Therapeutic Communication

Techniques that build trust and reduce anxiety during interactions.

Consent

Agreement from the person to receive care after understandable information is provided.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing, often requiring special feeding precautions.

Aspiration

A condition where food or liquid enters the airway, posing a choking risk.

Pressure Injury

An injury caused by pressure that reduces blood flow to tissue, often occurring over bony prominences.

Range of Motion (ROM) Exercise

Exercises that move joints through their normal motion to maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness.

Bedpan

A tool used for elimination when walking to the bathroom is unsafe.

Incontinence

The inability to control urination or defecation.

Assistive Devices

Tools that improve mobility, independence, or communication.

Mobility Aids

Devices like walkers and canes that help with balance and weight-bearing.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Equipment like gloves and masks used to protect from exposure to infection.

Hand Hygiene

The most effective routine action to prevent infection.

Body Mechanics

Techniques to position and move the body safely to reduce strain.

Nonverbal Cues

Facial expressions or body language that can convey emotions or discomfort.

Timed Toileting

Scheduled bathroom trips to reduce accidents and skin damage.

Environmental Modifications

Changes to the environment that enhance safety and independence for patients.

Documentation

Recording observations and actions taken during care to maintain accurate medical records.

Mental Wellbeing

Support related to a person's emotional and psychological state.

Palliative Care

Approach focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illness.

Eldercare

Support and assistance provided to elderly individuals to enhance their quality of life.

Skin Inspection

Regularly checking skin condition to identify issues such as redness or breakdown.

Hydration

The process of providing adequate fluid intake to maintain health.

Urinal

A device used by individuals to urinate when mobility is limited.

Dressing Techniques

Methods to promote independence, such as ‘weak side first’ for individuals with limited mobility.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Methods used to assist individuals in communication when they have speech challenges.

Standard Precautions

Minimum infection prevention actions used with every person to reduce transmission risk.

Patient Progress Tracking

Monitoring and documenting a patient's recovery and response to care.

Swallowing Precautions

Special methods to reduce risk of choking and aspiration during feeding.

Emotional Support

Providing comfort and understanding to individuals facing loss or distress.

Transfer Technique

Safe methods for moving a person from one surface to another, reducing risk of injury.

Consent Process

An ongoing dialogue ensuring that individuals agree to care throughout treatment.

Skin Care Routine

Care procedures that aim to maintain skin integrity and prevent damage.

Feeding Assistance

Support provided to help individuals eat safely and effectively.