Bed Bath Work Instructions
What Supplies Do I Need for a Bed Bath?
When preparing to give a bed bath, you’ll want to be sure you have the following:
- Towels – Towels will be used to dry, cover the body for privacy, and act as a barrier for bedding during the bed bath, use a minimum of three.
- Washcloths – Try to have one washcloth for the face/neck, one for the body, and one for the perineal area.
- Mild soap – Always use sensitive skin-friendly soap due to the fragility of more mature skin.
- Basin for water – One basin is fine, but when the water becomes visibly dirty or too soapy, you must replace it with fresh water.
- Disposable gloves – If the consumer has a latex allergy, use vinyl gloves.
How to Give a Bed Bath: Step by Step
To ensure a bed bath that is both safe and effective, you should adhere to the following steps:
Step 1 – Wash your hands, don gloves, and explain the procedure to the consumer, speaking slowly and clearly so they know what to expect. Gain consent.
Step 2 – Make sure doors are closed and shades are drawn to provide privacy for the consumer. If they are in an adjustable bed, adjust it to waist level for your comfort.
Step 3 – Place a towel (or small blanket, if desired) over the consumer body for privacy and assist them as needed in undressing beneath it. Fill the basin with warm water and have them test the temperature with their wrist.
Step 4 – Uncover one body part at a time and place a towel under the body part being washed. Wash, rinse, and dry one body part at a time. We do this to ensure privacy and dignity, as well as to prevent the consumer from getting cold.
Step 5 – Wash the client in this order:
- Eyes/face/ears/neck: Wash face with warm water only, using a clean part of the washcloth for each eye, and wash from the middle outward.
- Arms/hands/chest/abdomen: Remove one arm at a time from under the towel and place a dry towel underneath. Wash with a warm soapy washcloth using long strokes from top to bottom; rinse and dry. Wash the chest then the abdomen in a similar fashion.
- Legs/feet: Remove each leg one at a time from under the towel and place the towel underneath. Wash with a warm soapy washcloth using long strokes from top to bottom; rinse and dry. Be sure to rinse and especially dry thoroughly between toes.
- Back: Gently assist the consumer in rolling onto their side, place a towel lengthwise next to the back. Wash the back of the neck, back, and buttocks with long downward strokes. Rinse and dry.
- Perineal and genital area: Assist the consumer in rolling onto their back once more. Place a towel under the buttocks and thighs. Always change basin water before washing this area. For females, use very little soap to prevent an infection. Using a clean part of the new washcloth each time, work front to back using single strokes. Rinse and then pat dry.
Step 6 – After the bath is complete, check the client’s care plan and apply any lotions or creams.
Step 7 – Take this time to also clean under and clip fingernails, if needed, and inspect toenails. Thickening toenails are a by-product of aging and are not always safe to manage alone. The consumer may require a podiatrist. Discuss this option with the consumer and assist as required.
When Possible, Encourage Participation
Encourage the consumer to participate in washing if they are able. This will not only help with maintaining range of motion, flexibility, and functional stamina, but it will also give an element of control to the task.
Always follow the above instructions, but you can urge the consumer to do as much of the washing as possible, with you as their guide. They may sit at the edge of the bed (if safe to do so) for steps 1 and 2 if desired.
References:
https://www.theseniorlist.com/caregiving/give-bed-bath/
Document History
Reviewed by: Clinical and Risk Specialist
Authorised by: CEO
Date Adopted:
Next Review Due:
Version Control
| Version | Date | Change |
| 1 | 10/4/22 | New |