How to give a bed bath. When your loved one is bedridden, a bed bath will need to be given. Giving a bed bath will keep the skin healthy and prevent infections; this is also a good time to check the skin for bed sores or any rashes.
Daily baths are not recommended for those with frail skin, give a bed bath 2 – 3 times a week. . If your loved one is incontinent, it is necessary to cleanse the area each time you change his/her depends to prevent sores. After you clean the area, make sure the area is completely dry. Then you will want to apply a barrier cream or ointment, this will help prevent bedsores or a rash.
Tips for Giving a Bed Bath
- Keep your loved one’s body covered, except for the area you are washing, . This will prevent them from getting cold.
- Use multiple washcloths, washing private parts last with a separate washcloth. This can help reduce the spread of germs.
- When washing each part of the body, place a towel under the body part to keep the sheets dry.
- To avoid breakdown, ensure to wash and dry between folds of the skin.
- The washcloth should be wet, but not dripping wet.
- Always use a mild soap.
- Rinse completely to remove all soap residue.
- Thoroughly dry the skin.
- Have 2 Basins of warm water prepared, one for soaping/rinsing the washcloth then wringing it out and the second one to hold clear, warm water to rinse the soap off of your loved one so you always have a basin of clean water. Replace the water if it cools during the course of the bath.
- Apply lotion to the skin after bathing to help restore moisture to the body.
How To Give a Bed Bath
- Fill the basins with warm water then place both on a table next to the bed.
- Bring four or more washcloths or bath sponges, along with three or more towels and place on the table.
- Have all of your supplies that you will be using on the table.: soap, lotion, barrier cream, etc.
- Start with the cleaner parts of the body and finish with the areas that are less clean. If your loved one is able to assist in the bath, get the face cloth ready for your loved one to wash himself or herself. If not, follow the instructions below to gently wash him or her..
- Beginning with the head, wipe the eyes, from the nose towards the ear with just a wet cloth..
- Lather the cloth and continue washing the face and neck. (Should use face wash for the face)
- Rinse the washcloth and remove soapy residue from the skin; dry well.
- Wash each arm separately, placing a towel under the arm that you are washing to avoid getting the sheets wet.
- Rinse off soapy residue and dry.
- Wash the chest, abdomen, then rinse off the soap and dry.
- Wash each leg, and then feet, placing a towel under the leg you are washing to avoid getting the bed wet. . Do the same for the feet. Wash off the soapy residue and dry each area well.
- Clean the genital area by folding the washcloth into a mitt and gently wiping area with a small amount of soapy water. Rinse away soapy residue and dry area.
- Help your loved one onto his or her side. Gently roll to one side.
- Wash and dry their back, then roll them over to their back.
After you are done with the bed bath, ensuring all body parts are dried completely, apply lotion to the arms, legs, chest, stomach and put a barrier cream on their buttocks. Apply facial moisturizer to the face and neck. Never put lotion on areas that can become moist, such as under the breasts or in the folds of the groin.
For tips on how to care for someone who is bedridden, read this article.
Need assistance in the care for your loved one, call us today (480) 618-5995 to find out how our services can benefit you and your loved one!