The Haunted Bathroom
What is one reason to shower or bathe regularly?
To remove sweat, dirt, and odor.
True or False: Going to bed at about the same time each night can help sleep.
True
Name two times handwashing is especially important
After using the bathroom, before food, after coughing/sneezing, after touching trash.
Odor-producing bacteria and sweat remain on skin; clean clothing and skin hygiene work together.
What is one small hygiene task you can do in five minutes?
Wash face, brush teeth, change clothes, or use deodorant.
Do you only have to wash your hands when they are visibly dirty? If not, why?
Germs can be present even when hands look clean; wash at key times, including after using the bathroom and before preparing food or eating.
Late caffeine, irregular bedtimes, loud screens, and long late naps.
At least 20 seconds.
Someone wears disposable gloves while cleaning. Do gloves eliminate the need for hand hygiene?
No. Clean hands before and after glove use; gloves can become contaminated.
How can a checklist help with a hygiene routine?
It helps you remember steps and track progress.
Name two ways to make showering easier on low-energy day.
Gather supplies ahead of time; use a short routine; ask for support.
Why can caffeine at 5pm still affect sleep at 10pm?
Caffeine can remain active for hours and delay sleep or reduce sleep quality.
What is the safer way to handle a shared razor or toothbrush?
Do not share personal razors or toothbrushes; they may transmit microorganisms and sometimes BLOOD.
Why should wet towels be hung up to dry?
To reduce musty smells and growth of germs.
Someone skips toothbrushing because their gums bleed. What is an appropriate response?
Encourage gentle brushing with a soft brush and dental evaluation; persistent bleeding should not be ignored.
Why is washing the groin and skin folds, then drying thoroughly, important beyond preventing odor?
Moisture and friction can contribute to irritation and fungal overgrowth.
Someone spends an hour awake in bed scrolling. Name two sleep-friendly alternatives.
Reduce screen stimulation; use a calm wind down activity and, if unable to sleep, briefly leave bed for a quiet activity before returning when sleepy.
Someone coughs into their hand and then touches a doorknob. What should they have done differently?
Cough into elbow or tissue, discard tissue, clean hands, and clean contaminated high-touch surfaces as appropriate.
A person uses strong perfume instead of bathing and develops a rash. What is a better approach?
Gentle cleansing and clean clothing; avoid irritating fragrances and evaluate persistent rash.
You are having difficulty sleeping since a medication change. What is the safest next step?
Notify treatment team; track sleep and symptoms. Do not independently stop or change prescribed medication.
Someone has limited energy and cannot complete a full shower today. What are some things they can do to still maintain good hygiene?
Prioritize clean underwear/clothes, oral care, handwashing, and washing key areas
Someone snores loudly, gasps during sleep, and is exhausted during the day. Is this only a sleep-hygiene issue?
No. These may be signs of sleep apnea and should be reported to nursing.
Someone has vomiting and diarrhea. What actions protect the group beyond handwashing?
Notify staff promptly, follow isolation/cleaning protocols avoid preparing food, and use appropriate disinfectant.
What are two signs that a hygiene issue needs medical assessment, not just more washing?
What is the difference between a routine and a goal? Give a hygiene example.
Goal: Brush twice daily. Routine: brush after breakfast and before bed, with supplies set out.