Catheter management

Catheter management depends on the type of catheter (urinary, convene, etc.), but the general principles are similar: prevent infection, maintain patency, and ensure patient safety/comfort.

Monitor

• • Check for kinks, obstruction, or leakage.
• • Monitor urine output, colour, odour, and signs of infection (cloudy urine, fever, suprapubic pain).
• • Be alert to catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI).

Maintenance

• • Keep the drainage bag below bladder level (never on the floor).
• • Empty the bag regularly into a clean container without touching the outlet.
• • Maintain good perineal hygiene with soap and water (avoid antiseptics unless indicated

Pressure Area Care

Our carers

• • Keep skin clean and dry.
• • Inspect skin at least once per shift (more often if high risk).
• • Look for redness, non-blanching areas, blistering, or breakdown.
• • Keep skin clean and dry – manage incontinence promptly.
• • Use mild cleansers, avoid excessive rubbing.
• • Apply protective barrier creams if needed.
• • Moisturize dry skin.

Heel protectors, cushions, or pillows to offload bony points.

Do referral to dieticians and other professionals.

Keep records of body map.

• • Encourage independent repositioning if patient is mobile.
• • Avoid dragging (reduces friction/shear)—use slide sheets or lifting devices.

Peg Feeding

Support with peg feeding, flushing, medication administration, check patient ID, care plan, and feed type, look out for complications like blockage, diarrhoea.

Every client receives a person-centred care plan, developed with their needs, preferences, and safety in mind.