GDA Nursing Class Notes 19

USE OF ASSISTIVE DEVICES:-

Assistive devices are tools, equipment, or products designed to help individuals with disabilities or impairments perform everyday tasks, improve their independence, and enhance their quality of life.

Some common types of assistive devices are:

•Shoehorns- A tool held against the inside back of a snug-fitting shoe so the patient can slide the heel easily. It typically consists of a curved or flat piece of material, often plastic or metal, with a handle or a flattened end. A shoehorn is a simple yet useful assistive device commonly used to help individuals put on and remove shoes with ease, especially when bending over or reaching down is challenging.

•Buttoning aids and zipper pull- A double duty dressing tool is helpful for users who have difficulty buttoning garments and makes managing zippers easier. A buttoning aid and zipper pull are assistive devices designed to help individuals with limited dexterity, hand strength, or fine motor control perform tasks like buttoning clothing and zipping up garments.

ASSISTING IN SELECTION OF CLOTHES:-

•Gather the knowledge about patient’s preference in selection of cloth

• Select the clothes according to patient’s capability.

• Possible activities during  the day

• Select the clothes according to the weather and season.

TYPES OF PATIENT GOWNS:-

•Disposable gown

    These are usually made up of paper and are designed to be used once and thrown away. A disposable gown is a protective garment made from non-woven materials, often polypropylene or similar synthetic fabrics, designed for single-use purposes. These gowns are commonly used in various healthcare settings.

• Fabric gowns

These gowns are usually made from cotton, polyester or a blend of both. Fabric gowns, unlike disposable gowns, are reusable garments made from various types of fabric materials. These gowns are designed to withstand multiple uses and can be laundered and sanitized between wearing.

• Classic patient gowns

The front panel provides full coverage while the back is cut from the middle. These gowns are designed to provide easy access to a patient’s body while maintaining modesty and facilitating medical examinations and treatments.

• Wrap style gowns

The ties are located in the front and the two front panels are overlap. A wrap-style gown for patients is a specific type of medical gown designed with a wrap-around closure system, providing comfort, modesty, and ease of use for patients in healthcare settings. These gowns are often used in hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, and other healthcare facilities, especially for patients who require medical examinations, treatments, or hospital stays.

• IV gowns

These gowns have slits up the shoulders to provide easy access to an IV lines. IV gowns, also known as intravenous gowns or infusion gowns, are specialized medical garments designed for patients who require intravenous (IV) therapy, chemotherapy, or other medical treatments that involve the administration of fluids or medications through an IV line. These gowns are specifically tailored to facilitate access to the patient’s arms and the IV site while maintaining patient comfort and modesty.

ASSISTING WITH VARIOUS TYPES OF GARMENT

•Undergarment

•Top garment

•Bottom garment

•footwear