Helping a person to wash in bed

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Comfort, morale and dignity

Washing is important for the comfort, morale and dignity of the person you are caring for. It also enables the skin to be checked for early signs of redness (which can lead to bed sores) and to help prevent infection.

If you are helping a person to wash, remember to keep them covered and expose only those parts you are washing. This helps keep them warm and allows them to maintain their dignity.

Be very gentle when washing and rinse off soap completely. It can make the skin very dry if left on. Dry the skin carefully but thoroughly.

Change the water in the bowl several times during the wash.

Talcum powder can be used if the skin is not too dry and the person you are caring for likes it. Also, moisturising creams can be applied gently especially on dry areas such as elbows, heel and soles of feet.

If you, or the person you are caring for, don’t have the energy for a full wash, a good alternative occasionally is to use baby wipes.