Washing bedridden patients at home
One of the serious problems for those who care for sick people is washing bedridden patients at home. It is important to do this regularly, with maximum comfort for the patient, while complying with all requirements for ensuring cleanliness.

When someone is bedridden for health reasons, it is important to maintain personal hygiene. Feeling fresh and clean is essential for both physical and mental health. Personal hygiene includes grooming hair, skin, nails, mouth, eyes, ears, perineum, and shaving the face. At home, relatives of a seriously ill person may have legitimate questions – how to wash bedridden patients in order to prevent health problems and at the same time carry out procedures with maximum speed and comfort.

Whether bed rest is caused by a chronic illness, advanced age, disability or injury, bedriddenness comes with many problems, and hygiene is one of the most important.

Adequate assistance from relatives at home to elderly (and not only) bedridden people, with respect for their personal hygiene, helps them to be as happy and healthy as possible.

There are a number of tips for maintaining healthy personal hygiene when caring for bedridden patients.

Step-by-step instructions for washing bedridden patients

It is important to carry out hygiene measures regularly, if possible, involving assistants or using professional nurses, nurses to care for bedridden patients at home.

Regular bathing

If the patient cannot bathe on his own, he should bathe regularly in bed. To take a bath in bed, first collect the following items:

  • bath towels, oilcloth, face and hand towels;
  • soft sponges;
  • a bucket or basin of warm water;
  • gentle soap that does not cause irritation;
  • washbasin;
  • cotton swabs or nail brush;
  • moisturizing cream;
  • powder, talc for the body (optional).

Let’s move on to the bathing process.

Place an oilcloth and bath towels under the patient to keep the bed dry. Use a damp hand towel or sponge to gently wash your eyes and face. Avoid using soap on your face as it can cause irritation.

Roll up the sheet or blanket to expose their upper body. Basically, try to expose only the part of your body that you are actively washing. Keep the rest of your body covered for warmth and not to embarrass the person.

Use another (clean) wet towel or sponge to clean the body. You can use a mild body cleanser, but be aware that the soap may irritate the skin for some people.

Wash their upper body, arms and legs. Clean the skin under and around your nails with a Q-tip or nail brush. Help them roll or turn as needed so you can thoroughly wash the patient’s back, genitals, and buttock area with a towel or sponge. Remember to clean the creases and then dry them thoroughly. Dip the patient’s feet in the basin and rinse the feet with a cloth or sponge.

Use a moisturizer and body powder to keep the skin dry and hydrated, then change the person into clean clothes.

Dry and irritated skin, especially prone to eczema, can crack and become infected, so it needs to be treated. It’s important to use a gentle, unscented moisturizer to keep skin hydrated and soothe dry or itchy patches, especially after bathing.

Washing the hair on the head

In addition to bathing, it is recommended to wash your hair regularly. Between washes, use dry shampoo as needed to keep hair from becoming greasy and tangle-free. And try to wash your hair at least once a week, or do it more often if the patient’s hair becomes especially dirty.

How to wash your hair in bed:

  1. Place an oilcloth and towels under your head and shoulders.
  2. Comb your hair to remove tangles and drape another towel over your shoulders. If possible, you can also use a hairdresser’s cape or something similar.
  3. If your patient has a lot of hair, it may be easier to separate the hair into sections. Then, using a spray bottle, wet your hair with warm water and a small amount of shampoo. Rub it from the scalp up to the ends of the hair. Then rinse your hair with a separate spray bottle with water. You can use a special bowl, a bath with a recess for washing your hair.
  4. When all hair is clean, wrap your head in a dry towel. Then use a hair dryer to gently dry your hair.

Trimming nails

Long or jagged nails can pose health risks, especially in older people. Dirt and bacteria get under the nails and onto the skin when the patient touches or scratches the skin, which can lead to infection. Use nail clippers and a nail file regularly to keep your nails trimmed and give them a smooth, rounded shape.

Bed linen

People who are not bedridden usually need to change bed sheets every week. But when the patient is bedridden, their bedding may need to be changed more frequently. You may be surprised at how quickly sweat, dead skin cells, hair and food crumbs accumulate on bedding.

Brushing your teeth after eating

To keep your teeth and gums healthy, help older people clean their mouths after every meal. If possible, floss your teeth and clean your mouth twice a day to get rid of stuck food particles. Some people can do these tasks on their own if you bring them a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, water, and a bowl.

Room cleaning

A dirty environment can also pose a hygiene risk. Excessive dust can cause breathing difficulties, sneezing, itching and throat discomfort. And half-eaten food can attract household pests (flies, cockroaches). Finally, the disorder can negatively affect the patient’s mental and emotional well-being. Keep their room comfortable and organized and get the clutter off the floor. Do your best to let plenty of natural light into the room, and open windows as regularly as possible to keep the air fresh.

Expert Tips for Washing Bedridden Patients

Some older people cannot bathe in the bath or shower because they have limited mobility or suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and stubbornly resist bathing. When a person is unable to shower or bathe, it may seem impossible to keep the hair, scalp, and body clean and fresh.

Shampoos without rinsing, dry shampoo, or wiping with a damp cloth can help, but not as well as thoroughly washing your hair with water. A full wash with water and regular shampoo will make older people feel more comfortable and keep their scalp healthy.

Popular questions and answers

Answered questions about caring for bedridden patients neurologist of the highest category Evgeny Mosin.

How to deal with bedsores?

Here are some tips on how to easily prevent bedsores:

• if the bedridden patient can move on his own, encourage him to sit up or do simple exercises;

• ask your doctor how best to reposition the patient without injuring them;

• the skin should always be clean and dry;

• place pillows between parts of the body that often press against each other, such as between the knees and ankles;

• Frequently check areas where bedsores often occur, such as the ankles, heels, thighs, and tailbone.

How to change diapers?

Changing diapers is part of the routine of caring for bedridden elderly at home. When changing, be sure to wear disposable medical gloves and have a clean diaper, plastic waste bag, pre-moistened wipes, and diaper rash cream on hand. So, simple step by step instructions:

• if the patient is wearing pants, remove them completely and do not roll them up to the ankles;

• turn the patient on his side and look inside the diaper for defecation and urination;

• unfold the sides of the diaper, open it and fold it to cover the soiled area;

• use wipes to clean the skin and apply ointment if necessary – you will need to lift the person’s legs to reach all areas;

• turn the patient over to the opposite side and remove the diaper;

• place a clean diaper under the patient and an unfolded diaper over it so that the patient can lie on them easily;

• wrap the patient in the diaper – pull the front of the diaper over the legs and attach the front and sides;

• Throw away the used diaper and tissues in a plastic grocery bag, seal and dispose of.

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