Baths - or sponging - in bed are done to ensure the hygiene of patients who are bedridden or unable to wash themselves due to health conditions. The procedure involves washing, rinsing, and drying the entire body, one section at a time, while the person stays in bed. It is important to gather all the necessary materials before starting, so as not to leave the patient unattended. A well-performed bath makes the patient feel clean and comfortable.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparing to Take a Bath
Step 1. Fill two bowls or tubs with hot water
One is used for washing and the other for rinsing. The water temperature should be 45 ° C or even less, it should be comfortable to the touch but not too hot.
Step 2. Choose an easy-to-rinse soap
Almost all types of soap are good. Shower gels are also acceptable, as long as they don't leave too much residue. You can add the cleanser into one of the two containers to create a bowl of hot soapy water for washing, or keep it separate and apply it directly to the patient's skin.
- Do not use products with exfoliating microgranules or other substances that could remain on the patient's skin and cause irritation.
- In supermarkets you can find detergents that do not need to be rinsed. This is a convenient solution for a quick wash, but remember that it leaves some residue and you will need to rinse the patient's body every now and then.
Step 3. Prepare all the hair material
If you have decided to wash the person's hair, you need an easy-to-rinse shampoo (like the one for children) and a special tub designed for this procedure. You can buy it at a health and orthopedics store; it is of great help to wash the hair of a bedridden person without spilling water everywhere.
If you don't have this basin, you can put an extra towel or two under the patient's head to prevent the bed from getting excessively wet
Step 4. Prepare several clean towels and washcloths to wash the patient
At a minimum, you'll need three large towels and two washcloths, but it's worth keeping a few more handy in case they get dirty.
It is very convenient to place towels, cloths, soap and basins on a portable trolley, such as that of the TV, to always have all the material near the bed
Step 5. Place two towels under the patient
This way, you avoid wetting the bed and allow the sufferer to feel comfortable during the procedure. Roll him to his side and slip the towel under his body, then gently bring him back on his back on the bed and repeat on the other side.
Step 6. Cover it with a clean towel or sheet
This detail helps the patient to stay warm and gives him some privacy. The sheet or towel must cover his body all the time.
Remember to adjust the temperature if necessary to prevent the person from shivering
Step 7. Undress the patient
Fold the towel or sheet uncovering the upper body to remove the shirt, then cover it again. Fold the sheet back uncovering the legs to remove the pants and underwear; then cover the patient again.
- Keep him covered as much as possible while you take off his clothes.
- Remember that this procedure can be embarrassing for many people, so try to move quickly and with a firm attitude.
Part 2 of 3: Wash the Head, Chest and Legs
Step 1. Use the same washing and rinsing method for the whole body
First, apply the soap or soapy water to the patient's body. Gently scrub it with a sponge cloth to remove bacteria and dirt. When finished, place the cloth in the tub with the soapy water. Wet a second small towel in the container of water only and use it to rinse the patient. Then blot the area with a dry cloth.
- Remember to use the two cloths alternately: one to lather and the other to rinse. If they get dirty, get two new ones.
- If necessary, change the water in the pans.
Step 2. Start with the face
Gently wash the patient's face, ears and neck using soapy water. Wipe off the detergent residue with another cloth. Blot freshly cleaned skin with a cloth.
Step 3. Wash your hair
Gently lift his head so that it rests on the shampoo basin. Wet your hair by pouring a little water, being careful not to get it in your eyes. Apply the shampoo and then rinse. Finally, pat your hair dry with a clean towel.
Step 4. Wash your left arm and shoulder
Fold the sheet back, only on the left side of the body and only up to the pelvis. Place a towel under your newly exposed arm, wash and rinse your shoulder, armpit, arm and hand. Dry the area with a cloth.
- Thoroughly dry all the skin you have washed, especially the armpit area, to avoid cracking and bacterial growth.
- Cover the patient again with the sheet to keep him from getting cold.
Step 5. Wash your right arm and shoulder
Fold the sheet back to reveal the right side. Put a towel under your arm and repeat the same operation as in the previous step.
- Thoroughly dry all the skin you have washed, especially the armpit area, to avoid cracking and the proliferation of bacteria.
- Cover the patient again with the sheet to keep him warm.
Step 6. Wash your torso
Fold the sheet back to the waist, gently wash and rinse the patient's chest, abdomen and hips. Be careful to wash the skin folds carefully, as bacteria tend to get trapped in them. Dry the torso thoroughly, especially between the skin folds.
Then cover the patient once again with the sheet so as not to cool him
Step 7. Wash your legs
Find out the right up to the waist first; wash, rinse and dry the leg and foot. Then cover the right leg, uncover the left and repeat the same operation. When done, cover the bottom you just cleaned.
Part 3 of 3: Wash the Back and Intimate Parts
Step 1. Empty the trays and fill them with clean water
Since you've now cleaned about half of the patient's body, it's time to change the water.
Step 2. Ask him to roll onto his side if he is able to
Your help may be needed. Make sure it doesn't get too close to the edge of the bed.
Step 3. Wash your back and butt
Fold the sheet back to reveal the entire back of his body. Wash, rinse, and dry your back, butt, and leg portions that you haven't been able to clean before.
Step 4. Wash your genitals and anus
Wear latex gloves if you wish. Lift one leg of the patient and rub the area from front to back. Use a clean rinsing cloth. Remember to carefully clean the skin folds and dry them thoroughly.
- If the patient is male, you should wash the portion behind the testicles; if it is a girl, wash the lips, but not the vagina.
- These areas should be washed every day, even when you are not taking a full bath.
Step 5. Dress the patient
When finished, put on some clean clothes or a dressing gown. First, help him put on his shirt, holding the sheet over his legs, then take off the sheet, have him put on his underwear and pants.
- The skin of older people tends to dry out, so it is worth spreading a moisturizing lotion on the arms and legs before dressing the patient.
- Comb the hair and apply the cosmetics to the other parts of the body, according to the patient's preferences.
Advice
- It is not necessary to wash the hair of a bedridden person every day. However, if the patient wishes, dry shampoos can be used.
- If the patient has open sores, you should wear gloves for the duration of the procedure.
