What action should a CNA take if a patient refuses assistance with personal hygiene?

Respecting a patient's wishes when they refuse assistance with personal hygiene is essential for promoting their autonomy and dignity. It is important to acknowledge that patients have the right to make decisions about their own care, including whether or not they want help with personal hygiene.

When a patient expresses a desire to refuse assistance, a compassionate approach is to engage them in a discussion about alternatives that may be more agreeable to them. This could involve offering them tools or resources to perform hygiene on their own or suggesting a different method of assistance that feels more comfortable for them. By respecting their choice, the caregiver reinforces trust and supports the patient’s sense of control over their personal care experience.

Engaging positively with the patient in this situation not only fosters a better caregiver-patient relationship but also contributes to the patient’s overall well-being and satisfaction with their care. In contrast, forcing compliance undermines the patient’s rights and can lead to increased anxiety or resistance to care in the future.