Personal Care Skills - Skin Care
Provide foot care including soaking, washing, drying, and inspecting the feet to promote skin integrity and comfort.
Critical steps are identified only where the CareFlow study checklist marks them.
Perform hand hygiene
Critical step
Address resident by name and explain the procedure
Provide privacy
Check care plan for any contraindications (diabetes, circulation problems may require special care)
Critical step
Fill basin with warm water (100-105°F / 38-41°C) and test temperature
Critical step
Position resident comfortably in chair or bed
Place waterproof pad under basin to protect floor or bed
Place foot in water and allow to soak for 5-10 minutes if not contraindicated
Wash foot thoroughly with soap, including between toes
Critical step
Rinse foot completely to remove all soap
Dry foot thoroughly, especially between toes to prevent fungal infection
Critical step
Inspect foot and toes for redness, sores, cracks, swelling, or discoloration
Critical step
Apply lotion to top and bottom of foot, but not between toes
Do not cut toenails unless trained and authorized (report long nails to nurse)
Critical step
Apply clean socks if desired
Repeat for other foot
Position resident comfortably with call light within reach
Clean and store equipment properly
Perform hand hygiene
Critical step
Report any abnormalities to nurse
Requirements and evaluator wording can vary by state and testing program. Compare this study checklist with your current candidate handbook and instructor guidance.