Hygiene
Keeping clean and healthy means taking care of our body. This includes washing ourselves by taking baths or showers, washing our hands a lot, brushing and flossing our teeth, combing our hair, cutting our nails, and wearing clean clothes. These habits help stop us from getting sick, make us feel good, and make us feel proud of ourselves.
A supported decision-making plan is when you have a trusted person to help you with…
- Understanding why it’s important to stay clean and what happens if you don’t, like deciding when to take a bath or shower.
- Telling others what you like, such as your favorite toothpaste or how you want your hair cut.
- Doing things like bathing, brushing your teeth and hair, and washing your clothes, towels, and sheets.
Click the image below to view and download the Supported Decision-Making Plan Resource Guide.
Assistive and adaptive technologies can help with your personal hygiene. There are special toothbrushes and toilets, as well as other bathroom tools. There are also tools to help you dress and undress, and special clothing with Velcro and magnets.
Schedules, alarms, reminders, and checklists can help you know when and how to take care of your hygiene. They use words, pictures, or symbols to show tasks in order.
Click the image below to view and download the Assistive and Adaptive Technology Resource Guide
Sometimes you may need to learn and practice skills that will help you be successful in your home and community. Examples of hygiene skills include brushing your teeth well, taking a shower, using the toilet, and doing your laundry.
You can find educational picture cards about hygiene at the Do2Learn Educational Resources website.