In addition to the standard bed bath described above, there are variations on the theme. You may very well discover your own useful adaptations as you gain experience.
One alternative method of giving a bed bath is to wash and rinse through a towel, never touching the person's skin. Using a washcloth, you soap and rinse through the layer of towel, which acts as a sort of second skin. This is one way around modesty concerns, which can be extremely uncomfortable for you and her.
This technique for giving a bed bath minimizes the need to rub or stroke. Instead, you pat or gently massage the wet towel that covers a section of her body. When you're done with that section, take off the wet towel and quickly replace it with a dry one or a blanket to avoid a post-bathing chill.
Another twist on giving a bed bath: Keep several washcloths in large plastic zip-close bags of warm water, one clean and the other soapy, and take them out as needed. This eliminates the need to rinse washcloths in bowls of water. As soon as a washcloth gets dirty, stop using it and get a clean one from the bag. Check the bags regularly to make sure the water remains warm.
Then there's the chair bath. If the person you're caring for feels comfortable sitting up in a chair, this may be the best position for bathing. The routine is pretty much the same as for a bed bath.
Of course, you'll need to protect the chair from water. Vinyl-covered chairs can work, or you can get creative with plastic garbage bags or a tarp.
it is practical, straight to the point and easily digested points. well illustrated.
If you haven't tried the Oasis Bed Bath system consisting of wipes and shampoo caps, do give it a go! It is much less cumbersome and much more efficient. http://www.synergyonlinestore.com/personal-bathing-aids.html?utm_source=ExtLink&utm_medium=Direct&utm_content=Natasha&utm_campaign=ExtLink
Very helpful! I am a very shy and modest person, I am also a caregiver and I am always stepping out of my comfort zone for work! I like to be fully informed before performing tasks as it boosts my confidence. Also the people around me tend to have faith in me as opposed to me making them uncomfortable with my lack of knowledge and reassurance. So thanks :-)
This information you've provided here is incoherent to me!