Bathing a patient in bed

Why a Patient Might Need Bed Baths

Some patients cannot safely leave their beds to bathe. For these people, daily bed baths can help keep their skin healthy, control odor, and increase comfort. If moving the patient causes pain, plan to give the patient a bed bath after the person has received pain medicine and it has taken affect.

A bed bath is a good time to inspect a patient's skin for redness and sores. Pay special attention to skin folds and bony areas when checking.

Supplies for a Bed Bath

You will need:

• Large bowl of warm water
• Soap (regular or non-rinse soap)
• Two washcloths or sponges
• Dry towel
• Lotion
• Shaving supplies, if you are planning to shave the patient
• Comb or other hair care products

If you wash the patient's hair, use either a dry shampoo that combs out or a basin that is designed for washing hair in bed. This kind of basin has a tube in the bottom that allows you to keep the bed dry before you later drain the water.

How to Give a Bed Bath

The following steps should be followed when giving a bed bath:

1. Bring all the supplies you will need to the patient's bedside. Raise the bed to a comfortable height to prevent straining your back.
2. Explain to patients that you are about to give them a bed bath.
3. Make sure you uncover only the area of the body you are washing. This will keep the person from getting too cold. It also provides privacy.
4. While patients are lying on their backs, begin by washing their heads and move toward their feet. Then, roll your patients to one side and wash their backs.
5. To wash a patient's skin, first wet the skin, then gently apply a small amount of soap. Check with the patient to make sure you are not rubbing too hard.
6. Make sure you rinse all the soap off, then pat the area dry. Apply lotion before covering the area up.
7. Bring fresh, warm water to the patient's bedside with a clean washcloth to wash private areas. First wash the genitals, then move toward the buttocks, always washing from front to back.