Help clients to be as comfortable as possible.

        It is important for everyone to meet their personal need for rest. Without enough rest, health problems are likely to develop. Inability to rest may be due to physical, psychological, social, and environmental factors. Observe each client’s physical and mental condition, and report any areas of concern.

Promoting Rest

        Provide conditions that are suitable for rest. Use appropriate behavior, movements, and tone of voice to encourage relaxation.

• Talk to the client and ask what help is needed.
• Adjust light, noise, heat, and ventilation as much as possible
• Assist the client into a comfortable position, which is consistent with the plan of care.
• Help the client carry out any required pre-rest routines or activities.
• If monitoring the client’s rest is part of the care plan, keep accurate records.

        Seek advice from an appropriate person if you have any difficulties with promoting rest.

Minimizing Discomfort and Pain

        Everyone experiences pain or discomfort at times, but the ability to cope is different for each person. Individual beliefs and cultural background often affect the way a person deals with pain or discomfort (e.g., medication, yoga, massage, herbal remedies).

        Prevent discomfort or pain as much as possible. clients should never have to suffer any longer than necessary. Encourage clients in your care to use self-help methods if they are able. Whatever method is used must be in accordance with the care plan.

        Follow these guidelines to help minimize pain.

• Encourage clients to express feelings of discomfort or pain, and report any complaints to the supervisor.
• If monitoring pain or discomfort is part of the care plan, keep accurate records.
• Position the client for comfort.
• Explain the methods that are available for controlling discomfort.

        Seek advice from an appropriate person if you have any problems dealing with discomfort or pain.

Insomnia

        Insomnia is a disorder of initiating and maintaining sleep. Sleep is an important process to remedy “wear and tear” during the waking hours. Before there is any attempt to treat insomnia, a thorough assessment of the causes is essential.

        Following are factors that can affect sleep:

• Illness, coughing, or pain;
• Worry or tension;
• Sleep environment (e.g., comfort, temperature, lighting, noise level);
• Hunger or stimulation (e.g., caffeine);
• The need to use the toilet;
• Interrupted pre-sleep routine.

        Following are suggestions (if permitted) to promote sleep.

• Sleep-compatible bedtime routine (e.g., a hot milky beverage);
• Decaffeinated coffee or tea;
• Not having naps during the day;
• Relaxation techniques
• As a last resort, the doctor may prescribe medication to induce sleep.

Back Rubs

        Back rubs help relieve tension and increase circulation. Because aging skin is fragile, back rubs may not be allowed. Follow the policies of the facility where you work.

        Always check the care plan before you give a back rub. Restrictions may apply to clients with back injuries, skin problems, and certain heart or lung disorders.

        Guidelines for giving back rubs include keeping your fingernails short to prevent scratching and using lotion to prevent friction.  Before you begin, warm the lotion in a basin of warm water, and be sure your hands are warm.

Reporting and documentation responsibilities

• Completion;
• Observations;
• Client tolerance, response or problems with personal care.