July 3, 2011

TIPS FOR CAREGIVER IN GIVING BED BATH FOR PATIENT


Bed bathing is very important, specially for a patient disabilities to a regular bath,bed bath
keeps the patient protected from infection, and good hygiene is one of the key to good
health. before engaging to give a bed bath to a patient, the caregiver first must to
distinguish the patient abilities to move from left to right and side to side or in any angle,
in this case the caregiver can determine if there will be any movement
for the patient that he or she can manage to maneuver,and any movement
that can cause any pain for the patient, caution
is always be made, prior to any bed bath, to avoid any further problem, cause
by movement, check patient skin for any sensitivities, mostly old patient are candidate
for skin sensitivity figured out where the skin redness location all over he body of the
patient,usually the pressure spot is located at the back,buttocks,toe and back of the head,
this sign of redness spot and the area mention is prone to this case, we called it BED SORE.
  

  Tips!  To prevent bed sore. the caregiver must constantly check the patient and able to act. as  follow.                     
  • Monitor the patient position whether in wheelchair,bed, or sofa. don’t let the
    the patient stay in one position for a long period of time this can cause bed
    sore in any area where the pressure is.
  • When the patient is in bed, the caregiver must always change patient position every
    4 hours from one side to the other, then center position where the patient lying on his/her back.
  • When the patient is in the chair or wheelchair, this position distribute the
    pressure to the buttock and slight at the back. in this case you can't change the
    position of the patient side by side while the patient is in sitting position, except, assist the patient to stand. Or if the patient can walk, much better, every 4 hours, let the patient walk with your assistance to give the walk,in fact is good for the patient health to engage in walking. walking is a good exercise for the patient. Question comes? how if the patient can't stand? so you can think now that, HOW?, well this day there are good pillow intended and design just only for the buttock when patient is in sitting position,some of the pillow are designed filled with water inside nor air pillow that eliminates
    bedsore even the patient is on the position of sitting. whether in wheelchair or regular chair, sitting for long period of time,with the special pillow underneath the buttock of the patient, nothing to worry.


                             THINGS TO PREPARE PRIOR TO BED BATH.
        1. BASIN
        2. 6 TOWEL'S
        3. 6 WASH CLOTH'S
        4. MILD SOAP
        5. LINEN WITH BATH BLANKET
        6. DISPOSABLE GLOVES
        7. CLOTH,SUCH AS PATIENT GOWN OR REGULAR CLOTHING,UNDERWEAR .
        8. (OPTIONAL) DIAPER FOR PATIENT WITH THE CONDITION OF
          UNCONTROLLABLE BOWEL OR URINE DISCHARGE.
        9. LOTION,CREAMS SPECIALIZE FOR RASHES IS A MUST.
        10. CLEAN GOWN
        11. HAMPER
        12. TRASH CAN



  PRIOR TO BED BATH
  • introduced yourself to the patient,let the patient know what you will do and explain that you will give him /her a bed bath.

  • Place all bed bath things near or accessible to you to grab when needed.
  • close all windows and door for privacy reason. and be sure to properly
    lock the bed bar in both side before starting to give the bed bath.
    (ALWAYS) to prevent the patient from falling.

  • turn on heater to keep the room warm not much
    heat just a bit warm. keep it close until bed bath
    is done.

  • Fill the basin with warm water, be cautious to
    check it with your elbow if it is comfortable
    warm not burning the skin just warm water.

  • Place the blanket below the patient neck then
    roll until it reach to the patient feet.

  • Remove patient clothing by grabbing under the blanket
    this procedure keep the patient comfortable & privacy.
    blanket will cover the patient to keep warm until the last
    step of the bed bath.




       GIVING BED BATH     
  • Wear the disposable gloves,keep in mind that before
    doing bed bath always wear gloves ,this will protect
    your hand from any germs or bacteria and from any draining
    wounds of the patient. and by just throwing it quickly into
    the trash can as often as needed to change
    for new one, session after session of the bed bath.

  • Use mild soap ( always ) mild soap can't harm patient
    skin,and not drying the skin as well.

  • Put the washcloth in your back hand then fold it
    towards the front hand which is the palm, first the right side follow by the
    left side, then fold the folded wash cloth upper
    towards your palm,you can see the result of the folded wash cloth
    created a packet in your palm, then insert and secure it into the packet
    between your palm and washcloth.

  • Wet the washcloth with warm water in the basin, afterward
    rub the mild soap,then just leave it for a moment not using it in first step. Because you start in the face and eye so you will just use plain water to wipe patient face as well as the eyes. Just use the other washcloth even not folded for this area,wet the washcloth with plain warm water. 
     
  • First wipe the patient whole face with the wet washcloth gently beginning around the area of the eye with plain warm water just wiping around the surface of the eye, not to put excess force to avoid any breakdown of the skin, Repeat the same procedure on the other eye, afterward. wipe the neck area including the both ear and the head then wipe it dry with clean dry towel.
  • After wiping clean the area of the whole face,eyes,ears,head and neck,place
    a dry & clean towel under the patient arm prior to washing the underarms. put the
    washcloth with mild soap into your hand then wipe the underarms, do it the same way on the other
    underarm then rinse it thoroughly,afterward wipe it with a dry & clean towel,to dry the area.
  • Roll down the blanket until it reach the waist of the patient,this will give access to wash the chest and stomach, do the same procedure by wash wipe with washcloth with a mild soap rubbed on it, then after put it aside the washcloth with soap,take the another washcloth without a soap,deep into the basin with plain warm water on it,then rinse it well thoroughly,
    wipe it dry with a dry clean towel.
  • After washing patient chest and stomach be sure to wipe it dry always in all parts that you wash,wipe it up with a clean dry towel to dry the area after rinsing.
  • Roll back the blanket until it reach the patient neck.
  • Go to the opposite location of the blanket which is located down,where the feet is. grab the blanket and roll it up until it reach the knee of the patient, then do the same washing wipe procedure,wash first the calf then roll up the blanket until it reach the lower waist,afterward after the same procedure done,make sure always to wipe it dry with a dry towel after rinsing.
  • Now you can wash the foot left or right,depending what you preferred,deep in the foot into the basin then wash it with mild soap by gently wiping it, then rinse it well and wipe it to dry with a dry clean towel,be sure to wipe it dry properly specially the portion between all fingers of the foot.
  • Empty the basin into the sink, be sure to wash with soap before filling it with new warm water.
  • Prior washing patient back neck,back,thighs,buttocks and back
    of the legs be sure the arm bed is well locked to prevent from falling.
    Ask the patient to lie on his/her side, facing the arm bed or lock bar, left side
    or right side and ask the patient to hold the bar of the bed, by
    holding the bar, this can be helpful to maintain the side position.
    Your position will be at the back of the patient, then place
    the towel at the back, from the back of the neck until where
    it reach depending the length of the towel,wash wipe the back
    of the neck and back the same procedure,then rinse it well and after
    that,wipe it with dry clean towel to dry the area.
  • After washing the back of the neck and back, pull down the towel
    until it reach the back of the toe, then do the same procedure
    be sure to wipe it up dry again after rinsing, as I have said, ALWAYS.
  • Now you will wash the sensitive part of the patient, whether the
    patient is male or female, always wash it gently with caution,
    because this area it is prone to any infection if not done with
    proper care,before washing the female/male part, first things
    and must not to forget. (Is) again empty the basin into sink
    then wash the basin with water and soap then fill the basin
    with new warm plain water. this time, use the clean washcloth
    and towel,all used washcloths and towel you must to put it into
    the hamper. then change the disposable gloves for new one
    and the used gloves throw it into the trash can.
    Do the same procedure with the washcloth in securing and
    folded to your palm,put the clean towel between the legs
    near in the male/female part then ask the patient to spread
    his or her legs to give you the access to wash the area,
    again, rub the soap into the washcloth with warm water
    then gently wipe the area, in up down motion then rinsing
    it well then wipe it dry. With the clean towel.
  • NOTE: Wipe gently the male/female area, in up down motion or side motion, make sure
    not reaching the area of the anus, this can cause infection.

  • After washing the male/female area,again be gentle to wash
    the anus not reaching the male/female area,do the same
    procedure in washing wipe gently then rinsing it
    well afterward wipe it to dry with a clean dry towel.

  • Now your done. giving bed bath,before dressing up the patient or
    put the diaper and change the bedding,apply lotion at the back
    of the patient, arms, hands,legs,chest and calf also the foot.

           THING TO DO AFTER BED BATHING THE PATIENT
    After bed bathing the patient, ask the patient to stay on his/her
    position prior changing the patient bed gown and bedding's,whether
    the patient is in the left or right position, you must always position
    yourself on the opposite side position or facing patient back .
    From that position, the bed sheet from your side, from upper
    edge to lower edge of the bed, grab it by removing it and roll it
    towards patient back, then from the upper rolled edge until the
    lower edge of the rolled bed sheet, insert it a bit to the patient
    back,then put the new or clean bed sheet the same arrangement
    where you remove the unclean bed sheet, then roll the same, next
    to the unclean bed sheet about inch the distance.
    from that position ask the patient to remain on his/her position,
    now put the patient bed gown or cloth. By assisting the patient to
    insert patient hand into the bed gown or cloth sleeves, left or right
    depending the position of the patient, if lying on the left side,
    so the point of hand to enter the sleeve should be the right hand
    and if lying right side the entry will be left. the gown is much easier
    because it is button designed and cut half and easy to wear it for the
    patient,Continue to put it,then insert a bit of it at the back of the patient
    the opposite sleeves, then roll the patient towards you and ask the patient
    to hold on the arm bed or bar, go to the opposite location to remove the used
    and unclean bed sheet or bedding's, grab the new or clean bed sheet,
    arrange it from upper edge to lower edge of the bed,after the bed sheet
    is arrange in place, back to the location of the patient. then pull upward
    the gown sleeve of the patient then assist the patient hand to wear it,
    ask again the patient to remain on his/her position.
    Now change the unclean pillow cover to clean one, then place it
    aside. then position yourself at the back of the patient,then
    roll the patient towards you. putting the patient lying
    on his/her back. then put the pillow. position underneath
    the patient head. cover the patient with the clean blanket,
    the bedding is change and all clean and arrange. place all unclean
    bed sheet, pillow cover, linen,washcloths into the hamper for washing. BY: J.LE

TIPS AND WAYS ON HOW TO GIVE PROPER AND SAFETY BATH FOR THE ELDERLY PATIENT.


This tip is for the caregiver that has an elderly patient, that can able to manage to
stand on his/her own feet, while taking a bath with the help of the caregiver.
with the assistance of the caregiver,due to the reason that the elderly patient can't be
alone in taking a bath or without the assistance of the care provider,because of the risk
of slipping and can be fatal when falling,the role or responsibility of the caregiver is, for
the safety of the elderly patient, as well as a proper bathing for the elderly patient while
taking a bath.


THINGS TO BE IN PLACE WHEN ASSISTING THE ELDERLY
PATIENT IN TAKING A BATH FOR SAFETY.

        1. RUBBER MAT
        2. STRONG STABLE BATHING CHAIR

NOTE: To be able to be sure that a patient is safe,even the elderly patient is able
to stand with his/her own feet,always be in advance for safety measure,
as a caregiver,you must to bear in mind that safety first in advance, is
the best ways to prevent any unwanted circumstances,such as falling
of the elderly patient while bathing due to slipping, because the patient
is standing on his/her feet while bathing without the rubber mat,it is then
very important to have the rubber mat at all times and be in place constantly
when giving a bath,and always have the bathing chair in place for the patient
to sit, and even though the patient can manage to stand by his/her own feet, it
always safety for the patient to be sitting on bathing chair while bathing for
safety purposes, this simple safety measure must to be always done in
order to prevent any unwanted slipping or falling of the patient while
bathing. As a caregiver always be responsible in and taking action into advance
safety for the patient,let the patient sit on the bathing chair during bathing,
and the feet of the patient will be always place over the rubber mat, from
start until the end of the bathing process.
As a caregiver,always be responsible enough to be always presence of mind
at all times, not to forget to make the safety step before the patient start bathing,
prepare and put all the necessary things near you, that be accessible to access things
that needed for bathing process, such as soap shampoo,sponge,towels,
before bringing the patient inside the bath room and start the bathing,one thing to
bear in mind before engaging to give the bath for the elderly patient,is to wear a
gloves,such as examination gloves,wearing gloves always before giving the patient
a bath,wearing gloves protect your hand's and preventing any unwanted bacteria
to be stock in your finger nails that can be cause to any unhealthy or unwanted
disease due to bacteria,so always protect your hands by wearing gloves while
engaging in giving a bath for the elderly patient,wear it before starting the bathing
process.

place the rubber mat in place where the bathing chair is,it'll be front
of the bathing chair where the rubber mat will be place,to where be the feet of the
patient will be, when the patient is sitting on the bathing chair,the feet of the patient
will be place over the mat to be stable while sitting on the bathing chair,then start
the bathing with the patient sitting stable in bathing chair and with the feet on the
rubber mat.
start bathing the patient with water,you as a caregiver will hold the shower hose to 
give the
the patient the bathing shower,starting from the head, and to the whole body of the
patient,be always careful and be gently for the patient,be always careful of the eyes
of the patient when in soaping step,avoid bubble soap to get into the eyes of the
elderly patient,after giving the water shower for the patient you will be in step two
which is the soaping step, start on the head of the patient not using the sponge,just
your hand with gloves with a small amount of soap,then gently apply a tiny soap
on patient head and face avoiding the eyes,and then the body using the sponge with a 
soap,until the waist,then
rinse with water with the half body by showering the patient with water above the head
of the patient, rinsing it well with water, afterwards, you will be soaping the lower part
of the patient which is from the waist going to the feet,in this process, you as a caregiver
must assist the patient to stand on the rubber mat,for soaping in those hard to reach areas
of the elderly patient body for soaping,then rinse the lower half body
of the patient from waist until to the patient feet, with water properly specially the
feet, then let the patient sit again on the bathing chair for the finalization of the bathing in
proper water rinsing, from the patient head and the whole body as well as the feet,by 
rinsing it well and properly without leaving any traces of soap,then wipe the patient with
a dry and clean towel to the patient whole body properly as well as the patient feet,
you must wipe it to dry with towel properly also those hard to reach area, then your done,
           the next step is assisting the patient to wear clothing's.    BY: J.LE



TIPS FOR CAREGIVER IN PREVENTING OLD OR SENIOR PATIENT FROM BEDSORE'S.

Bedsores,what is really bedsore's is? And how bedsore's can affect anyone that
inevitably has it, and how to get rid of bedsore's, first and foremost as we continue
to our topic,on avoiding bedsore's or treating it, and some tips for caregiver to prevent
senior or elderly patient from getting a bedsore's, or what will be the treatment of bedsore's.
elderly patient is prone to bedsore's,because of the skin condition due to age,and is
easily to catch a bedsore's specially if their will be an unrelieved pressure in one
spot of the body or in any part's of the body of the elderly patient.


Bedsore's means, is a pressure on one spot on any part of the body,that has unrelieved
pressured, bedsore's is common with bedridden patient,and it is prone also for elderly
patient,likewise with wheelchair users patient's,elderly patient due to their age their
skin is more likely to be sensitive and can easily attract bedsore's if there will be any
constant pressured that unrelieved,and this surely can cause a bedsore's,and in fact,
bedsore's is painful and slow healing in process.

TIPS: For caregiver how to prevent elderly or senior patient from bedsore's.

> The primary treatment or preventing and likewise in healing process
                                         of the bedsore's.
Is by, constantly change the position of the patient from one position to
the other, specially for those bedridden patient,the turning will be side
to side,and 4 hour's the duration before shifting to the other side position,
and as a caregiver,you will be responsible enough to do your duties
by shifting the position of the patient from one position to the other,
every 4 hour's,this method is used to alleviate and relieve any pressure
on skin in any part of the patient body,to prevent bedsore's.

elderly wheelchair user patient,there are pillow's in this days that can prevent
bedsore's,and it is place on the wheelchair at all times when the patient will
use it,this pillow is design intended specially for wheelchair user patient,
this pillow eliminates bedsore's even the patient will sit on the wheelchair
for long period of time,this design is brilliant, because wheelchair user
patient will only be possible to change the position to prevent bedsore's, is to
stand on his/her feet with the help of the caregiver,and some of the wheelchair
patient can't do the standing,due to some reason a various reason and most of
this wheelchair user patient are invalid or disable.
The special pillow that eliminates or prevent bedsore's is a design
to help wheelchair user patient, this design truly helped a lot for all the
wheelchair patient to prevent from any unwanted bedsore's.   BY: J.LE

SAFETY TIP'S FOR CAREGIVER TO AVOID BACK PAIN OR INJURIES


Techniques in lifting a patient in a safest way's and effective. this
Method can be use always in all matters in performing lifting, whether
Lifting patient nor Lifting things, that has various quantity of weight that
can lead to injuries or risk for the lifter nor caregiver. Do you know that
sometimes when lifting even a light weight things can cause injuries and
put you in risky situation if not done properly.


Before engaging for lift, things to do as followed: 

1) Stretching your muscles and joins, by means of warming up prior to lifting or
transferring,this can help you to avoid injuries. Or lessen injuries if inevitable
case happen. Did you know, even all athletes made this method as their protection
against injuries as well as making the muscle more flexible to protect bones and lessen injuries. 
            2)Always put all necessary things in place before doing the lifting,like
            placing the chair in proper place near the bed if transferring the patient
            from bed to chair or wheel chair. to the position you are comfortable
            to turn from left or right with your body and neck properly align with your spine.
             
            3)Avoid bending towards the weight that will result a stress or tension
            of your back and sometimes can lead to risk and worse injuries that
            can result to permanent discomfort of back pain, sometimes paralyze.
            Always remember that our back bone is the reason why we are standing, so keep precaution always when lifting things.

Things to keep in mind, performing this task always result to back pain nor
back injuries, if not done in a proper way.

    1)Lift and transfer the patient from bed to chair or vice versa.
    2)Changing diaper in bed or giving bath in bed for the patient.
    with the bed lower from your waist and leaning over for
    a long period of time. 
     
    Note:
    tips in handling this no.2 task is simple, and easy to do, if the bed is adjustable in position shifting of the height,like up and down position shifting,with button controller,or manual. position the bed level, level to your waist,this will help prevent you as a caregiver, in any back pain or injuries while changing patient diaper or giving bed bath, because you'll not lean for long period of time doing the task,because the level of the bed is level with your waist. if in case the bed is not adjustable.you can request for it,for your safety,as well as comfortable as a caregiver doing the task,if not provided,the option that you can access,is by wearing a belt support, this belt support can prevent your back from back pain or injuries,due to leaning for long period of time while performing the task,and also you can wear the belt support in lifting or transferring the patient from one place to the other or vice versa, or even lifting heavy thing's,you can at all times wear the belt support for your protection against back pain or injuries. there will be two kinds of adjustable bed,the adjustable bed room bed and the adjustable bed bathing bed. with this adjustable bed's,is the safety advantages for you as a caregiver when doing the changing diaper or giving bed bath.
      
This techniques that are proven for safety and effective for the caregiver when 
performing lifting and transferring the patient. as follow below.
      
  • Maintain the proper alignment of your neck and head that aligned
    to your spine straight.
  • Head and neck must be properly aligned with your spine and
    straight,and maintain it until lifting is done.
  • Keep patient constantly near or close to your body and don't bend
    back or side either forward.
  • Don't use the back muscle in lifting, always use the leg muscle for lifting.
  • wear belt support at all times when lifting or transferring patient from one place to the other. 
  • If you think that there will be a risk to both of you and the patient  by performing the lifting or doubt.always ask for help.     
   
    Note:  Put all things in place when transferring the patient from bed to wheel Chair, 
              or to an ordinary chair,put the chair or wheelchair near in bed left or right to the position you  wanted for the patient to be 
transfer 90
degree angle,in chair with arms in both side, you must to slant the chair a bit so it
     will be 85 degree angle near in bed,you must to be sure the the seat 
of the chair
   is facing the patient, and close to both of you and the patient. if in case the
       patient can help to stand let the patient stand up slowly to help you turn from
  side towards the position of transferred point from A TO B or vice 
versa.


Safety consideration prior in lifting or transferring patient.
    1) Always remove the armchair and chair leg of the wheelchair
    prior lifting transferring. the armchair and chair leg that on
    the side of the patient that must be remove and on the opposite
    side is the armchair and chair leg that on your side will remain
    because that side will be point to block the patient from falling
    and it easy for you to transfer with no risk.
    2) Always locked the wheelchair in both wheels to avoid falling.
     if it is not locked, it can be dangerous to both of caregiver
    and the patient,it could slide when you are in the middle of lifting 
    and could out position the wheelchair in the middle of pivot transfer,
    so always locked the wheel of the wheelchair when performing transferring
    of patient,either from bed to wheelchair or wheelchair to bed or vice versa.

Note: always bear in mine, safety first prior to any lift or transfer of patient,take your
time,and always be present of mine before doing all this lifting nor transferring patient
from one place to another.


MAKE IT A GUIDE ALWAYS, THAT SAFETY FIRST,IN DOING LIFTING TASK
OR TRANSFERRING PATIENT, FROM ONE PLACE TO ANOTHER ,LEARN THE
BODY MECHANICS,NOT STRAINING YOUR BACK, IN FACT BACK INJURY
CAN LAST FOR LIFETIME AND SOMETIMES CAN END YOUR CAREER IN
CARE GIVING,UNDERSTAND THE CAPABILITIES OF THE PATIENT AND THE
HEALTH OF THE PATIENT, WHAT HE OR SHE CAN DO AND DOESN'T, AND
AS A CAREGIVER YOU ARE ALWAYS HAVE A DOOR TO OPEN FOR SAFETY,
IF YOU DO IT PROPERLY IN EFFECTIVE MANNER.      BY:J.LE