Back Rub

Gather supplies: lotion and gloves. Knock on the door, wash hands, and introduce the procedure to the resident, asking for consent. Provide privacy. Raise the bed to a comfortable working height. Position the resident on their side, using a lift sheet and ensuring their arm is not trapped. Make sure to cover the resident for modesty.

Put on gloves, apply a quarter-sized amount of lotion to palms and warm it by rubbing hands together. Expose only the resident's back, keeping the lower body covered. Start with long strokes from the hips to the shoulders and back down (about five times), asking the resident about pressure and checking for pain or skin issues. Then perform big circles, followed by small circles (about five times each), adding more lotion if skin feels sticky. Finish with long strokes again.

After the back rub, ask the resident if they felt okay. Help the resident roll back onto their back using the lift sheet carefully. Remove gloves and sanitize hands. Reposition the resident comfortably, smoothing out any wrinkles in the linens. Lower the bed, ensure the call light is within reach, and check that the bed is locked. Wash hands and report any pain or skin issues to the nurse.