S.W.I.P.E.S

Home Care Aides must wash their hands before performing any personal care task. Every personal care skill procedure includes the acronym “S.W.I.P.E.S.”, which helps you remember to:

S – Gather supplies before starting the task

W – Wash hands before contact with a client

I – Identify yourself by telling the client your name

P – Provide privacy throughout care with a curtain, screen, or door.

E – Explain to the client what you are doing

S – Scan the area to be sure everything is back in place after the task is done.

---

Skill: Handwashing

To be certified as a Home Care Aide, you must demonstrate that you know how to wash your hands the correct way. See Hand Washing in the Skills Checklists on page 420 for a detailed list of steps.

Germs can grow quickly on cloth towels. Use only paper towels to dry your hands.

Reference the right side of page 116 in your text for a small diagram for handwashing skills.

Washing hands saves lives.