Sensory Hand Washing | Recreation Therapy Consultants

Activity Purpose and Objectives:

Sensory hand washing is intended for sensory pleasure, cleanliness, appetite enhancement, awakening and stimulation, reminiscence, and to re-create an environment like a luxurious restaurant or first class travel.

Equipment:

2 containers (rubber dishpans or similar, one labeled “clean” one labeled “soiled”)
Plastic bags to line the “soiled” container
Washcloths
A 2-liter plastic beverage container, (like for serving juice or ice tea)
Optional zipper-top linen bag to keep sensory washcloths separate in the laundry
Elite Hot Towel Warmer: (One source is Massage-tools.com)

Materials:
Lemon extract, liquid hand soap (Obtain MSDS for Lemon extract, one source is Science Lab.com)

Program in Detail

Prepare

Wash your own hands before program preparation.
Assemble materials and equipment.
Place a plastic liner (and optional linen bag) into the “soiled container”.
Mix in the beverage container, 2 liters of water, 2-4 tsp. of lemon extract and 2 tsp. of liquid soap.

Wet the washcloths

Place 20 washcloths flat in the base of the “clean” rubber dishpan.
Dampen washcloths pouring over and in between cloths the water with lemon and soap.
Fold each washcloth in half then roll each into a cylinder shape. Squeeze each washcloth slightly to squeeze out some of the excess water onto the cloths below.

Warm the washcloths

Warm washcloths in the UV towel warmer for at least 2 hours.
Refill the washcloths, steps 1-7 at the times of ______, _______ and ________ for the next uses.

Test and use the washcloths

Test the center of a washcloth to assure safe, comfortable temperatures.
Offer a washcloth to each participant.
Invite participants to wipe their hands and face, and take a deep breath in, to enjoy the scent of the lemon.
Avoid touching participants hands and cloths while passing out clean cloths.
Demonstrate to participants, using exaggerated movements.
Ask Participants to put soiled cloths into the “soiled container”.
Repeat washing your own hands if the soiled cloths or if you inadvertently touch dirty cloths or participants during program.
Direct soiled cloths to laundry services for handling according to laundry procedures.
Return equipment and materials to storage areas.
Towel warmer must be completely emptied and shut off__________ (after dinner.)

Precautions:
Take cautions with heat sources, citrus or soap allergies, storage of lemon extract and observe all related infection control precautions.

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