Toilet for a bedridden person. Timetable and action plan

Proven content

The toilet of a bedridden person, hygiene of the whole body and proper skin care are one of the basic elements of care for the sick person. It not only provides the patient with cleanliness, aesthetics and well-being, but is also part of the anti-bedsore prophylaxis, prevents skin irritation and chafing.

For a person who has to take care of dependent patients at home overnight, nursing activities may seem very difficult, even impossible. Meanwhile, with proper organization, everything is manageable. Using the recommendations of the Polish Wound Treatment Society, we will suggest how to properly care for a bedridden person at home.

The schedule of nursing activities for a bedridden person

The patient’s body should be washed at least once a day with water and a washing agent with a pH of 5 to 5,5, which does not affect the natural protective layer of the skin. The head should be washed every 5-7 days, and if necessary, when the sick person sweats, more often. Also, private parts should be washed with water at least once a day and, if necessary, after defecation.

At least once a week you should “arrange” a bath in a bathtub, and if it is impossible, wash the whole body in bed.

Items needed to make a toilet for a bedridden person

Before washing the sick person, we need to prepare all the necessary items and place them on the table so that they are within reach. Will be needed:

1. one time gloves;
2. bowl;
3. a jug of warm water;
4. pool;
5. kidney bowl;
6. oral cavity cleaning utensils (brush, paste, rinse cup, possibly a spatula and gauze compresses);
7. nail brush;
8. scissors and a nail file;
9. comb;
10. towels (one large and two small or disposable absorbent towels);
11. lining securing the bedding;
12. washers;
13. clean diaper pants;
14. cleaning agents (for use with and without water);
15. cosmetics (barrier creams, body lotion);
16. ointments recommended by a doctor.

Additionally, we prepare shaving accessories for men. It is worth organizing one cabinet for hygiene utensilsso that you don’t spend too much time completing them every time.

Organization of the daily toilet for a seriously ill person

Before washing the sick person, close the window and ensure the room temperature is right. Intimacy must be ensured when the toilet is performed. Close the door or separate the bed with a screen. When washing the sick person, remember to protect the already washed and dried body parts against cooling by covering them. Dry the skin of the sick person by applying a towel and avoiding rubbing.

Washing individual parts of the body in the right order

Brushing the teeth and mouth of a bedridden person

We clean the teeth and mouth in a semi-sitting position, and when it is impossible, in a lateral position. Before starting to brush the teeth, the patient’s neck is secured with a soft towel or a special bib. With a soft brush, we clean first the outer surfaces of the teeth, then the chewing surfaces and finally the inner surfaces of the teeth. We also clean the gums and tongue. If the patient is conscious, we give him boiled water to rinse his mouth and substitute a kidney cup.

Shaving a bedridden person

Whenever possible, shave in a semi-sitting position. We start by placing a towel around the neck. Moisten the skin with stubble with warm water and apply shaving foam. By gently pulling the skin, lead the razor first with the hair, and then the other way round. Then wash the face with warm water, dry it and disinfect any cuts with a disinfectant and apply an aftershave cream.

Washing the face, eyes, ears and neck of a bedridden person

We take off the top of the pajamas and put a towel under the head. First wash your eyes with damp gauze compresses. Then we wash our face, ears and neck with a washcloth. We rinse and gently dry.

Washing the neckline, chest and stomach of a bedridden person

We do it immediately after washing the face, when the patient has the upper part of his pajamas removed. Use a soapy washcloth to wash your neckline, chest and stomach. We rinse the washcloth and wipe again. Dry and cover gently.

Washing hands and arms of a bedridden person

We start with putting under the arm an undercoat securing the bed linen. We uncover the patient’s hand and place the hand in a bowl with warm water. We wash the forearm, arm, armpit and hand with a washcloth. We brush our nails. We gently dry the hand and wash the other hand in the same way.

Washing the back and buttocks of a bedridden person

Before washing the back, place the patient on his side and put a protective pad. First, we clean the back with the washcloth, then the buttocks and the buttock gap. Dry the back from the top and smear the skin with olive oil or lotion.

Washing the legs of a bedridden person

We put a foundation under the leg, bend it at the knee joint, and place the foot in a bowl of water. We wash the drumsticks, thighs and feet with a washcloth. Dry the leg, paying special attention to the spaces between the toes. We do the same with the other leg.

Washing the perineum of a bedridden person

When washing intimate areas, bedding should be secured with a liner. The patient is lying on his back with his legs bent at the knees. While washing women’s intimate areas, we move the pool under the buttocks. The perineum is washed with a disposable washcloth, with intimate hygiene products, and always from the pubic symphysis towards the anus. Rinse with lukewarm water from the jug. In men, remember to pull the foreskin back and wash the glans. After washing and drying the foreskin, return it to its place.

Washing the head of a bedridden person

We wash the head of the sick person at the lowered headboard, secured with a cushion. We wrap the patient’s shoulders and neck with a large towel. If we use a bowl for this, we put a rolled up pillow under the patient’s shoulders to provide support. It is more convenient to wash your head using a special head wash basin. Apply a small amount of shampoo to damp hair and wash the hair while massaging the scalp. Rinse the shampoo with water from the jug and repeat the wash if necessary. We help the patient to sit down and wrap the head with a towel. If the person is unable to sit up, a second person is needed to support the person. We remove the pool or bowl, then raise the headboard and put a pillow. If possible, dry and comb your hair while sitting. In patients after neurological operations or spine injuries, we wash our heads after consulting a doctor who will provide instructions.

Nail care of a bedridden person

While washing your hands and feet, brush your nails with a brush. After the toilet is finished, if necessary, trim them and file the edges with a file so that the patient does not scratch.

Means facilitating the care of a bedridden person

When caring for bedridden people, it is worth reaching for measures that not only protect the patient’s skin exposed to irritation more effectively, but also significantly facilitate care activities. It is worth reaching for products that can be used without the use of water. This is important because traditional soap has a tendency to dry out and irritate the skin. The foam, which is convenient to apply, but also softens dirt, making it easier to remove, will be especially useful. The ingredients contained in it also eliminate unpleasant odors.

After washing the intimate areas, the skin should be additionally protected with a protective agent, you can use a cream, arginine or zinc oxide. Both products accelerate the regeneration of the epidermis and leave a protective barrier that allows air to pass through the skin. Additionally, zinc oxide has an antiseptic effect, so you should choose it when irritation has already occurred.

In the care of bedridden people, a rubber anti-bedsore disc A method for bedsores Sanita or a foam anti-bedsore circle – A method for bedsores can be helpful. You can buy these products at favorable prices and in various sizes on Medonet Market.

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