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Assist the patient with personal care as needed while encouraging as much independence as possible. It is important to keep the skin clean, but a daily bath may be too exhausting and can cause overly dry skin. The hospice staff generally assists with bathing one to two times weekly or as needed. They can instruct you in providing a bed bath if desired.
Offer mouth care several times daily. Teeth may be brushed with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste and rinsed with water. Special swabs may be used when brushing is not feasible. Report any mouth sores or dryness to your hospice nurse. A water-based lubricant can be used on the lips and nostrils. |
