Bathing An Adult With Special Considerations
As printed in “The Beacon” San Antonio’s Christian Newspaper
Article Date: June 2010 – The Beacon Online by Starr Calo-oy
Starr Calo-oy
How To Bathe A Bed Bound Person
A bed or sponge bath might be more appropriate in certain circumstances. If he can’t sit up, is very heavy or semi–conscience, a bed bath will be much easier for you and your loved one.
If your loved one has gotten to the point of being bed bound, more than likely, he will have a home health aide who will come in 3–5 times a week and bathe him for you. If so, watch what the aide does to learn how.
Make sure not to use regular soap, as it is very hard to rinse thoroughly. Instead, use a no–rinse soap, available at most medical supply houses and pharmacies. Simply pour the directed amount into a small plastic basin filled with warm water. Use the washcloth to clean him and then dry one area at a time.
Change the bath water at least 3 times: (1) to clean his face and then upper body (2) to clean the back and genital area and (3) to clean his legs and feet.
Make sure you keep the room warm and only uncover the part of the body you are bathing.
Bath Time Close to the End of Life
When you have been told that your LO is very close (within days) to passing away and/ or is having a difficult time breathing or may be experiencing pain, you should not put him through any more discomfort than absolutely necessary. At this point, bathing is no longer necessary; neither is turning him around the clock.
You might want to use a warm cloth to wipe his face and head, but a full bed bath would only be more traumatic than beneficial to him.
When he is in what is called “the active dying process”, he will stop voiding urine and feces because he has already stopped taking in fluids and food. Diaper changes will cease. If he does urinate or have a slight bowel movement, be very gentle as you change him. If you notice that any remaining urine is turning dark red, don’t be alarmed. It’s a normal part of the dying process.
It’s not an easy feat; getting over to the other side. Make his last few hours or days on this earth as comfortable as you possibly can. For more tips, see below.
Starr writes monthly for “The Beacon” – a San Antonio Christian Newspaper. The Beacon online at: The Beacon.
Starr & Bob Calo-oy created CaregiversAdvice.net to help, encourage, and support caregivers. Through weekly Radio Shows on KKYX 680am San Antonio, they host special guests who cover many unique topics concerning caregiving. They also have weekly TV Segments on KENS TV 5 San Antonio where they share caregiving and marriage tips. All of these programs are archived as Radio Podcasts and TV Podcasts for your easy listening. Visit their sister site, Marriage101.net for marriage help and encouragement. Starr has written Four Books on Caregiving.
