Definitions:
Assist: an assisted service is where the participant is encouraged to provide to their own hygiene to the limits of their abilities. This may include intervention by staff both verbally and physically to ensure that the participant receives a comprehensive service. Physical presence in the bathroom would be expected during this service.
Prompt: a prompt is where a participant is physically capable of meeting all of their physical hygiene needs independently but may require verbal commands to ensure that the service is self administered comprehensively. Or there is reason to provide physical presence to ensure the participants safety during personal hygiene activities. Physical assistance in the bathroom is not a must, but a staff presence during the service asking if the participant is OKAY or needs any assistance is expected.
Medication: Any medication that the participant may require, may be applied by the participant to themselves, in the presence of a staff member with the staffs assistance. Assistance is applying any creams to the participants finger and then to be guided to the spot of application. The participant is then to self administer the cream themselves unless physically incapable of doing so ( I.E. areas on the back) where staff may assist participant by applying the cream themselves. After medication has been applied all relevant paperwork must be completed and signed prior to staffs departure from the premises. Forms to be provided by the hostel.
NO STAFF MEMBER IS PERMITTED TO APPLY OR ADMINISTER MEDICATIONS TO ANY PARTICIPANTS PUBIC OR ANAL AREAS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
Fingernails and Toenails: Staff are permitted to supervise and assist where appropriate participants to engage inappropriate fingernail care practices. Individual nail care packs are available to the participants and are stored in the equipment cupboard. ONLY the individual named on the packaging may use the equipment and NO SUBSTITUTIONS ARE PERMITTED.
Toenail care is provided regularly by a visiting podiatrist. As such only emergency procedures ie. repair of broken nail should be considered. Toenail care can have serious health complications for some individuals due to certain medical conditions.
WHEN IN DOUBT DO NOT ATTEMPT ANY REPAIR ON TOENAILS.
