12.9: Unit H- The Patient’s Environment
Beds should be made on a daily basis, usually in the morning after providing morning care. Having clean, dry sheets promotes comfort, prevents skin breakdown, and helps to promote a sense of well-being for the patient. Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should always ensure linens are wrinkle-free as this helps to prevent skin breakdown and pressure sore formation. Linens should be changed when they are wet, soiled, or if the patient requests. The Care Plan will direct Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides as to how often linens should be changed.For patients who are bedridden, Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides will have to make the bed or change the linens while the patient is in the bed. This is called “Making an Occupied Bed” and instructions are provided on how to do this in this section. While making an occupied bed, patients are turned to the opposite side the HHA/PCA is working.