Personal Care Skills - Bathing
Provide a partial bed bath including face, hands, axillae (underarms), and any other areas as needed while maintaining resident dignity 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 by closing door and curtain
Critical step
Gather supplies: basin, washcloths, towels, soap, clean clothing, clean linens
Fill basin with warm water (100-105°F / 38-41°C) and test temperature
Critical step
Raise bed to comfortable working height and lower side rail on working side
Cover resident with bath blanket and remove top linens without exposing resident
Critical step
Wash face first using water only (no soap) - wipe from inner to outer eye using different areas of cloth
Critical step
Pat face dry with towel
Expose one arm at a time and wash from hand to underarm using soap
Rinse and dry arm thoroughly, paying attention to skin folds
Wash hand by placing in basin if possible
Wash axilla (underarm) area thoroughly
Repeat for other arm
Keep resident covered except for area being washed
Critical step
Change water as needed to maintain cleanliness and temperature
Apply lotion to dry skin areas as needed
Assist resident with clean clothing
Position resident comfortably with call light within reach
Dispose of soiled linens properly and clean equipment
Perform hand hygiene
Critical step
Requirements and evaluator wording can vary by state and testing program. Compare this study checklist with your current candidate handbook and instructor guidance.