Bed baths are used to bathe people who can't bathe on their own because of health problems.A bed bath involves washing and rinsing the entire body one section at a time while the patient remains in bed.You don't want to leave the patient unattended if you gather all the supplies before you start.A good bed bath will make the person feel comfortable.
Step 1: Warm water is needed to fill two basins.
One is used for washing and the other for rinsing.The water temperature should be less than 115 degrees F.You don't want it to be too hot.
Step 2: Pick a soap that is easy to rinse off.
The majority of bar soaps are fine to use.Body washes are acceptable as long as they don't leave a mess.You can add soap to one of the basins to make a bowl of soapy water for washing, or keep the soap separate and apply it directly to the patient's skin.Don't use soap that has exfoliating beads or other substances that could stay on the patient's skin and cause irritation.Drug stores have no-rinse soaps.You'll still need to rinse the patient's body from time to time even though this is a convenient solution for a quicker cleanse.
Step 3: Get the supplies ready for the appointment.
If you plan to wash the patient's hair, you'll need a basin that can wash hair in bed.When it comes to washing hair in bed without getting water everywhere, you can find one at a medical supply store.If you don't have a special basin, you can put an extra towel under the patient's head to keep them dry.
Step 4: There is a stack of towels and washcloths ready.
It's nice to have extra in case there is a spill or the supplies get dirty.You can keep everything you need close to the bed if you stack towels, washcloth, water basins, and soap on a portable cart.
Step 5: Put two towels under the patient.
This will keep the patient comfortable and prevent the bed from getting wet.Lift the patient onto their side and then lower them to place the towels under them.
Step 6: The patient should be covered with a sheet or towel.
The patient will be warm during the bath as well as having some privacy.The towel will stay on the patient's body the whole time.To prevent the patient from getting a chill, be sure to adjust the temperature in the room.
Step 7: The patient's clothes must be removed.
The patient's top half should be uncovered by folding the sheet or towel.The patient's sheet should be replaced over the top half.Remove the pants and underwear from the patient's legs by folding the sheet back.The patient can be recovered with the sheet.While you're removing the clothes, try to keep as much of the patient covered as possible.This process can be embarrassing for some people, so try to work quickly and with a positive attitude.
Step 8: The same method is used for the entire body.
The patient's skin should be washed with soap or soapy water.To clean it, gently scrub it with a washcloth, then place it in the soapy basin.If you want to rinse away soap, you can dip a second washcloth into the basin.The area should be dried with a towel.The two washcloths should be used for soaping and rinsing.If the cloths become dirty, wash them.It is necessary to replace the water in the basins.
Step 9: Look at the patient's face.
The patient should be washed with soapy water.Remove the soap with a cloth.The cleansed area should be dried with a towel.
Step 10: You can wash the patient's hair.
Lift their head into the basin.Taking care not to get it in their eyes, wet the hair by pouring water over the patient's head.Then rinse it away.The hair should be dried with a towel.
Step 11: The patient's left arm and shoulder need to be washed.
The sheet should be folded over on the left side of the body.There is a towel under the arm.The patient's arm and hand should be washed.The wet areas should be dry with a towel.The areas that have been washed should be dry to prevent chafing.To keep the patient warm, recover with the sheet.
Step 12: The patient's arm and shoulder must be washed.
To expose the right side, fold over the sheet.Place the towel under the other arm to wash and dry it.The areas that have been washed should be dry to prevent chafing.To keep the patient warm, recover with the sheet.
Step 13: You should wash the patient's torso.
Carefully wash and rinse the chest, stomach, and sides after folding the sheet down to the waist.Infections tend to get trapped in the folds of the patient's skin.The torso needs to be dry.The sheet should be used to keep the patient warm.
Step 14: The patient's legs need to be cleaned.
Remove the patient's right leg up to the waist and wash, rinse and dry it.Recover the right leg and uncover the left, then wash, rinse and dry it.The lower half of the body needs to be recovered.
Step 15: You can empty the water basins and refill it.
It is a good time to refill the water since half the patient's body is clean.
Step 16: If the patient is able to roll on their side, ask.
You might have to help the person.They should not be too close to the edge of the bed.
Step 17: The patient's body should be washed.
To expose the back side of the patient, fold the sheet over.The back of the patient's neck, back, buttocks, and legs should be washed and dried.
Step 18: Don't wash the genital area.
If you want, put on latex gloves.Lift the person's leg and wash it.Use a clean cloth to wash the area.It's a good idea to clean between folds and dry the area as well.The testicles should be washed.There is no need to clean the vagina.Even if you don't give a full-body bed bath, you should wash this part of the body every day.
Step 19: The patient should be dressed up.
The patient should be dressed in a robe or clean clothes.Remove the patient's shirt and keep the sheet over his or her legs.The person's underwear and pants should be replaced after the sheet is removed.If you want to put their clothes back on, you should apply lotion to their arms and legs.Apply makeup and other body products to the person's hair according to their preferences.