ESSENCE OF CAREGIVER: 07/03/11

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.

BASIN
6 TOWEL'S
6 WASH CLOTH'S
MILD SOAP
LINEN WITH BATH BLANKET
DISPOSABLE GLOVES
CLOTH,SUCH AS PATIENT GOWN OR REGULAR CLOTHING,UNDERWEAR .
(OPTIONAL) DIAPER FOR PATIENT WITH THE CONDITION OF

UNCONTROLLABLE BOWEL OR URINE DISCHARGE.
LOTION,CREAMS SPECIALIZE FOR RASHES IS A MUST.
CLEAN GOWN
HAMPER
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.

RUBBER MAT
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