How to Give a Complete Bed Bath

There may come a time when a family member needs complete care in the home. Many Americans care for their elderly, disabled, or terminally ill relatives as hospital and nursing home care grow more expensive. Even when a private nurse is used, she generally comes to do only medication administration or medical procedures. Sometimes nursing assistants come in to do care also, but perhaps not daily. One of the most basic forms of care you can provide is the complete bed bath. It gives cleanliness and comfort to the patient, and is an excellent time for bonding, comfort and communication. Whether the patient always needs complete care, or if they simply feel just too weak or ill at some times to make it into the bathroom to bathe themselves, the complete bed bathe is a valuable tool to know.

The first thing to do is to gather the supplies needed for the bath. This includes several towels, at least two washcloths, a thin blanket, a basin of comfortably warm, but not hot, water, and mild soap. Its also good to have decent lighting if possible. Close any open windows or doors to prevent drafts. You need to fold back the top linens to prevent their getting wet, and place a towel on the mattress beneath each portion of the body while it is being bathed. Remove the clothing or pajamas, or assist the patient if he is able. Place the extra blanket over the person. Now you are ready to begin washing.

Wet the washcloth. Your subject should be thoroughly covered by the blanket, but now you are going to expose one portion of the body at a time as you wash, rinse, and dry it. This prevents chilling. When you hold the washcloth, it is helpful to fold it mitt-like over your hand and do not drag "tails" over the person, which become cold faster and are uncomfortable to the person being washed. Keep the washcloth wet enough to lather and rinse well, but not so wet that it drips, which is also very uncomfortable to the person being washed, and also dampens the bed.

Always begin with the face. Use no soap for this. Wipe each eye from inner to outer corner, then continue with the rest of the face. Now rinse and lightly suds your washcloth. Bathe the neck, arms, trunk, legs and feet. Remember to cover all parts not being bathed. Change the water in your basin when it becomes too tepid or soapy. Remember to rinse and dry each part as you go. Pay special attention to the axilla(armpits), areas under breasts in women, between the fingers and toes, any skin folds, and the perineal and genital regions. Do these areas last. Have the person roll and lie on their side to do the back and buttocks. You may need the assistance of a helper here. Always last, gently clean the genital area and areas near the anus.

After the bathing is complete, nail care can be given, as well as any facial shaving that needs to be done. Apply antiperspirant deodorant. Put dry fresh clothes or pajamas on the person, and check to be sure that no areas of the bed are damp. Remove the bathing blanket you used from the bed, and reapply the warm covers. Remember that during the bath is a wonderful time to converse with your loved one.

Lastly, remember how important good oral care is, especially in compromised individuals. Having the mouth well cared for usually results in feeling better and keeping patients more motivated to eat. Poor oral care begins a process of germ growth and dental caries, that can literally mean the difference between life or death to some individuals.