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Providing a bath to a loved one with limited mobility or independence
A bath can leave your loved one feeling clean and refreshed. Baths also give you a great opportunity to check for skin problems or sores. However, tub baths may put those who are elderly or have disabilities at an increased risk of falls.
There are wonderful bathing products when a tub bath is not an option such as disposable washcloths for adults. Pre-moistened bath wipes make it much easier to give a bath outside of the bathroom, and disposable washcloths can provide a full-body hygienic bath. The face, hands and private areas should be washed daily: morning, night and as needed.
When moving to the tub or shower is not an option, you can choose whether to give the bath in bed or in a chair next to the bed. Always think about the safety of the individual and the caregiver, and limit how many times a day you are repositioning to avoid back strain.
Encourage your loved one to perform as much of the bathing as possible.
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8 steps to giving a bed bath
After-bath care
Washing hair in bed
8 steps to giving a bed bath*
When an individual has limited mobility or refuses to bathe in a shower or tub, a bed bath is a safe option.
1. Prepare your supplies
Gather a bath towel and bathing washcloths. Warm washcloth package in the microwave according to package directions. Apply gloves. Caution, gloves diminish sensitivity to heat.
2. Get in position
Help the person you're bathing with undressing, if needed. Use a bath towel to cover them and keep warm. Aid them into a comfortable position either sitting or laying down. Place a towel under the part of the body being washed. A towel will absorb any excess bath water and keep bed sheets dry.
3. Start with the face
Open package and remove 1 cloth at a time (reseal between each wipe to keep cloths warm). Start with the face, neck and chest with an unlathered cloth.
4. Cleanse from clean to dirty areas
To lather the cloth, squeeze the cloth to create a suds of the water and cleansing solution and then wipe the skin clean. Wipe each arm separately, then legs and groin.
5. Clean groin last
Help your loved one onto his or her side and clean the back and finally the buttocks. Wash and dry well between folds of the skin.
6. Dry the skin
Use the towel to dry the skin and keep warm as you go. Use one washcloth for each area of the body. Keep your loved one warm and dry throughout the bathing process to create a pleasant bathing experience.
7. Note skin concerns
Assess the skin throughout the bath looking for any skin redness or injury. Take note any skin concerns and communicate with other caregivers. Discard the soiled washcloths and assist with dressing as needed.
8. Moisturize
If the pre-packaged bath does not contain moisturizing ingredients, apply lotion to the skin after bathing to restore moisture to the body.
After-bath care
- Check skin for any redness, sores, or bruising especially if the person is incontinent or unable to move around.
- Be gentle on the skin. Use patting motions to dry skin instead of rubbing.
- Moisturize skin. Apply lotion to keep skin healthy.
- Assist with dressing while the individual is seated to reduce risk of falling. Ensure clean clothes are worn after bathing.
- Make notes of any skin irritations, sores or bruises to share with the individual's doctor and leave notes for other caregivers including the dates you first saw any concerns.
Washing hair in bed
A rinse-free shampoo cap can be used anywhere. The fabric-lined cap is pre-moistened with shampoo, conditioner and detangler to leave hair clean and fresh. As you massage the cap on your head, the fabric lining absorbs dirt and oils, leaving hair clean.
- Find a comfortable spot to sit and wrap a towel around your neck.
- Warm the shampoo cap according to instructions on the package.
- Place cap on head, tucking in all long strands of hair.
- Gently massage hair and scalp to absorb dirt and oil.
- Remove and discard cap. Dry and style hair as desired.
Providing a safe, comfortable, and thorough bath is an essential part of caring for a loved one. By following these simple steps and using thoughtful techniques, caregivers can make bathing a positive, stress-free experience for everyone involved.
Helpful bathing products
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