Sponge bathing, or bed bathing, is used to bathe people who are bedridden or unable to bathe themselves due to health reasons. Bed bathing involves washing and rinsing the entire body, one part at a time while the patient remains in bed. It is important to gather all the necessary supplies before you start bathing so that you do not have to leave the patient unattended. Bathing in a good bed will make people feel clean and comfortable.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Preparing for a Bath
Step 1. Fill two basins or sinks with warm water
One basin is used for washing, and the other basin for rinsing. The water temperature should be 46 degrees C or less. The water should be comfortable to the touch, but not too hot.
Step 2. Choose an easy-to-rinse soap
Most bar soaps will work. Liquid soap can also be used as long as it doesn't leave any residue. You can add soap to one of the basins to produce a basin of warm soapy water for washing, or separate the soap and apply it directly to the patient's skin.
- Avoid using soaps that have exfoliating beads or other substances that can stick to the patient's skin and cause irritation.
- No-rinse soap is available at drug stores. This is a convenient solution for a quick clean, but the soap leaves residue so you still have to rinse the patient from time to time.
Step 3. Prepare shampooing equipment
If you plan to shampoo the patient's hair, you will need an easy-to-rinse shampoo (such as baby shampoo) and a basin specially designed for washing hair in bed. You can find them at medical supply stores, and they're very helpful when it comes to washing your hair in bed without spilling water all over the place.
If you don't have a dedicated basin, you can replace it by placing an extra towel or two under the patient's head to prevent the bed from getting too wet
Step 4. Prepare a pile of clean towels and washcloths
You'll need at least three large towels and two washcloths, but it's a good idea to have a spare in case something spills or gets dirty.
It's easier to stack towels, washcloths, water and soap basins in a portable basket, such as a TV basket, so you can place everything you need close to the bed
Step 5. Place two towels under the patient's body
This will prevent the bed from getting wet and make the patient comfortable during the process. To place the towel under the patient, lift the patient to the side and slide the towel down, then carefully lower the patient down and do the same on the other side.
Step 6. Cover the patient's body with a clean cloth or towel
This will ensure that the patient is kept warm during the bathing process as well as provide some privacy. The cloth or towel will remain on the patient's body at all times.
Be sure to adjust the temperature in the room if necessary, to prevent the patient from feeling cold
Step 7. Remove the patient's clothing
Fold the cloth or towel, uncovering the patient's upper body, and remove the shirt. Change the cloth on the patient's upper body. Fold the cloth over the patient's leg and remove his pants and underwear. Cover the patient's body again with a cloth.
- Try to keep most of the patient's body covered when you remove the clothes.
- Keep in mind that this process can be embarrassing for some, so try to work quickly and act with a purpose.
Method 2 of 3: Bathing Head, Chest and Feet
Step 1. Use the same cleansing and rinsing method for the whole body
First, apply soap or soapy water on the patient's skin. Gently scrub with a washcloth to remove dirt and bacteria, then place the washcloth in the soap basin. Dip a second washcloth in the basin to rinse and use it to rinse off the soap. Pat the area dry with a towel.
- Remember to use two washcloths interchangeably: use one for lathering and one for rinsing. If the cloth becomes dirty, replace it with a clean cloth.
- Change the water in the basin as necessary.
Step 2. Start with the patient's face
Gently wash the patient's face, ears and neck with soapy water. Rinse off the soap with a different washcloth. Dry the cleaned area with a towel.
Step 3. Wash the patient's hair
Gently lift the patient's head into the basin to shampoo. Wet the hair by pouring water over the patient's head, taking care not to get it in the eyes. Apply shampoo, then rinse. Pat your hair dry with a towel.
Step 4. Wash the patient's left arm and shoulder
Fold the fabric on the left side of the body up to the hips. Place a towel under the outstretched arm. Wash and rinse the patient's shoulders, armpits, arms and hands. Dry the wet area with a towel.
- Dry the washed areas thoroughly, especially the armpits, to prevent chafing and bacterial growth.
- Cover again with a cloth to keep the patient warm.
Step 5. Wash the patient's right arm and shoulder
Fold the fabric to reveal the right side of the body. Place a towel under the other arm and repeat washing, rinsing and drying the patient's shoulder, armpit, arm and right hand.
- Dry the washed area thoroughly, especially the underarms, to prevent blisters and bacteria from growing.
- Cover again with a cloth to keep the patient warm.
Step 6. Wash the patient's body
Fold the cloth over the waist and then wash and gently rinse the patient's chest, abdomen and sides. Be sure to wash carefully between every fold of the patient's skin, as bacteria tend to get trapped there. Dry the body carefully, especially between the folds.
Cover the patient's body again with a cloth to keep the patient warm
Step 7. Wash the patient's feet
Spread the patient's right leg up to the waist, then wash, rinse and dry the ankle and foot. Cover the patient's right leg again and expose the left, then wash, rinse and dry the ankle and foot. Cover the patient's lower body again.
Method 3 of 3: Bathing Your Back and Private Parts
Step 1. Empty the water basin and refill it with clean water
Since about half of the patient's body is clean, now is a good time to replenish the water.
Step 2. Ask the patient to roll over to the side if possible
You may have to help him. Make sure he's not too close to the edge of the bed.
Step 3. Wash the patient's back and buttocks
Fold the cloth to reveal the entire back of the patient. Wash, rinse and dry the patient's neck, back, buttocks and legs that may be missed.
Step 4. Wash the genitals and anus
Wear latex gloves if you wish. Lift the patient's leg and wash it from front to back. Use a clean cloth to rinse the area. Be sure to clean the area between the folds thoroughly, and dry the area thoroughly as well.
- For men, the back of the testicles should be washed. Wash the woman's labia, but it's not necessary to clean her vagina.
- This part of the body should be washed every day, even when you do not bathe the whole body.
Step 5. Put the clothes back on the patient
When you are done, dress the patient in a clean shirt or coat. First, change the patient's clothes, keeping the cloth over his feet. Then remove the cloth and change into the patient's underwear and pants.
- Aged skin tends to dry out, so you may want to apply lotion to her arms and legs before putting her clothes back on.
- Comb the patient's hair and apply cosmetics and other body products according to the patient's wishes.
Tips
- There is no need to wash the hair of people who are always in bed. But if you want, there are products made to clean hair without water.
- If the patient has an open wound, it is recommended that you wear disposable gloves while you bathe.
