Pulmo Sleep Center Eliksir

Care for patients at home, particularly the care of patients' hygiene can be extremely demanding and responsible activities, requiring constant attention and care. Especially when it involves a loved one, meticulous care is essential, as well as constant effort to make the days of illness as comfortable and pleasant as possible for the patient.

Often, caring for a patient also requires the assistance of another person who is a professional in this field. Additionally, to make the care of an immobile person easier, it is necessary to obtain a hospital bed, which will make prolonged lying down significantly more comfortable for the patient.

Below, we present how to care for the elderly and sick in a home environment, how to perform diaper changes for patients, and how to carry out patient hygiene at home.

Changing diapers for immobile patients

If you are caring for a loved one at home, it is very likely that you will be responsible for changing the patient's adult diaper while they are lying in bed. Following these simple steps can make the task easier and more comfortable for your loved one.

Wear hygiene gloves and, if the patient has an adjustable bed, set it to a comfortable height. The upper part of the bed, where the head is, should be adjusted to be as horizontal as possible. While the patient is lying on their back, unfasten the diaper’s Velcro or adhesive strips, then turn the patient onto their side to remove the soiled diaper.

Use moist wipes or a towel soaked in warm water to wipe the area that the diaper covered. It is important to thoroughly clean this area to prevent diaper rash, and after each diaper change, apply a cream to hydrate and protect the skin.

After the patient's skin is dry, place a new diaper under their side, align the rest of the diaper on the bed. Turn the patient onto the diaper, then pull the front part over and secure it. Ensure the diaper is well secured and then dress the patient.

Changing adult diapers and repositioning an immobile patient is a more challenging process than for babies, due to the difficulty of turning, moving, and lifting an adult person. Therefore, it is important to have a reliable person to assist with patient care at home.

What does caring for a patient at home entail?

It is important to refresh the patient each morning by washing their face to remove impurities and sweat, which often cause unpleasant odors. If the patient cannot get out of bed, washing can be done above a basin in bed. Additionally, washing and drying the skin stimulates blood circulation, which is crucial, especially for immobile patients.

Patients must have their face, neck, teeth, armpits, chest, arms, and back washed daily, and at least once or twice a week, the patient should have a full bath. Bedridden patients who use incontinence pads need to be bathed daily, and sometimes more than once a day if necessary.

How to bathe a patient in bed

For bathing an immobile patient, it is necessary to first ensure the room is well heated and all windows are closed. Place a basin under the patient, and after undressing them, cover them with a sheet, so that only the part of the body being washed is exposed.

When bathing, always start from the head down. First, wash the face, neck, and ears, then the arms, chest, stomach, back, hips, and thighs. Finally, pay special attention to the genital area.

Patient hygiene at home is crucial for maintaining cleanliness and eliminating unpleasant odors, as well as preventing rashes and sores that can occur in such conditions.

Bathing a patient in the bathroom

For patients who can get out of bed and move, bathing in the bathroom is certainly a better option. If the patient is weak and unsteady, assistance with entering and exiting the bathtub is necessary. The most practical solution is to place a chair next to the bathtub where the patient can sit and then be gently moved into the filled bathtub.

After bathing, the patient needs to be gently lifted, first to the edge of the tub, and then transferred to the chair. There, they should be dried and helped to dress. Afterward, the patient should be escorted and settled into the prepared bed.

Care for the patient’s hands and nails

In addition to daily washing, it is important to regularly wash the hands before and after every meal, as well as after using the bathroom. If the patient is too weak to wash their hands themselves, this should be done by the caregiver. In addition to clean hands, nails must be kept clean and trimmed.

During care, always pay attention to whether any pressure sores have developed from lying down. If so, take immediate action to treat them, and the use of anti-decubitus mattresses can help prevent this issue.

Care for the legs of an immobile patient

Regular washing of the legs for patients who remain in bed is also very important. For this, you need a basin with warm water and soap. Place a basin under the legs, and bend the patient's legs at the knees so that their feet are in the water basin.

It would be easier if you have a wheelchair in which the patient can be placed. In any case, the legs should be thoroughly rinsed, and after drying, nails should be trimmed and cleaned.

Washing the patient’s hair

When it comes to patient hygiene, attention should also be given to hair care. To wash the hair of an immobile patient, prepare a basin, a pitcher with warm water, shampoo, two towels, and a bucket for dirty water. Ensure the room is well heated, and place a towel under the head and another around the neck.

Position the patient at the edge of the bed, and fold one end of the towel to direct water into the bucket. Wet the head first, then apply shampoo, and rub the scalp and hair. Rinse the hair so that dirty water flows into the bucket. Finally, dry the hair by rubbing with a dry towel and comb it.

Washing the patient’s mouth and teeth

The mouth and teeth should be carefully cleaned as food particles can accumulate and promote the growth of bacteria, which can lead to various infections and issues. Therefore, it is important for the patient to brush their teeth daily, both in the morning and at night.

For brushing teeth, prepare a cup of lukewarm water and a toothbrush with toothpaste. After brushing the teeth thoroughly, rinse the mouth with lukewarm water mixed with two to three drops of alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.

Patient hygiene is extremely important and it is necessary to care for the patient almost 24 hours a day to make their illness period as comfortable as possible. It is a very responsible and challenging job, but if all the mentioned tips are applied, they can somewhat ease the care of a patient at home.