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One of the most important elements in the care of a bedridden person is changing them, i.e. changing diapers, also known as diapers. Carrying out these activities can cause a lot of trouble for inexperienced people. This is due to the fact that the person performing them must do it regularly, so that the stool and urine do not come into permanent contact with the patient’s skin and the associated burns do not occur. However, the changing process is also difficult because of the possibility of straining the spine and joints by the person performing this activity. In the further part of the article, we explain how to rewind a bedridden person properly without overloading at the same time.
Changing the bedridden person – accessories
You need to prepare yourself properly for the rewinding process. It is worth getting items such as: moisturizing wipes, skin care products (moisturizing creams, talc, powder), towels, absorbent pads or disposable gloves and, of course, a suitable diaper. The choice of the diaper itself depends on the size of the bedridden person. The diapers differ in the circumference of the waist as they have to fit snugly against the patient’s body. This is especially important to prevent dirt from escaping outside the diaper. At the same time, diapers may differ in the degree of absorbency, it is worth remembering, if only because the patient may drink more fluids or have diarrhea.
- Also read: Care allowance – who is entitled to it and how to get it?
Changing a bedridden person – frequency
Equally important is the need to scroll systematically and observe when the need arises. This is due to the high probability of bedsores and chafes, which result from too long contact of urine and faeces with the skin of the sick person. To reduce the risk of painful skin lesions, it is worth reaching for the anti-bedsore set (mattress + compressor).
Changing too infrequently can also lead to infection of the urinary tract with fecal bacteria, and in the case of elderly people who have a weaker immune system, it can consequently lead to infections of the urethra, bladder or kidneys.
The process of changing a bedridden person
The scrolling process is demanding, the person performing this activity must have adequate strength and know the necessary technique. It is good when we can count on the help of the sick person, who is able to lift the buttocks a little, so that the caregiver can slide out the used diaper and put on a new one. Unfortunately, this is not always possible, in which case it is useful to use the technique of moving the patient to the side. First, we start by unfastening the diaper, the fastening of which should be either at the front or on the side. In the next step, bend the patient’s arm in the elbow by placing it on his chest, and bend the opposite leg at the knee joint to move the patient to the side with a gentle but firm movement. We take the used diaper, while cleansing the skin under it. It is very important to cleanse the skin thoroughly using moisturizing and caring agents that will adequately protect the patient’s epidermis. Then we put on a fresh diaper and turn the sick person back onto his back. Finally, you have to fasten the diaper fasteners, in the case of side fasteners we have to turn the patient to the side again and back again.
To avoid overloading yourself, stand as close as possible to the person with your legs wide apart and bend your knees at the same time. During this time, we try to bend as little as possible, avoiding bending our spine and leaving it in an unnatural position for too long.
- Also read: How to dress a bedridden person – a step-by-step guide
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