Try saying something like, “Hi, Mrs. Johnson. I’m here to help you get cleaned up. How are you feeling today?” Announce yourself and your reason for being in the person’s room even if they are not very alert or if they have cognitive issues, such as dementia. For example, you could say something like, “Hi, Mr. Smith. I’m Karen. I’m here to help you get clean and make sure you are comfortable. ”
For example, if there is a wheelchair right next to the bed where you will need to stand, then move it to the side of the room. If you spot any cords or other tripping hazards on the floor around the bed, get them out of the way. If the person has items on their bed that will interfere with changing their diaper, then ask permission to move them aside until after the diaper change.
Do this even if you do not expect anyone to be able to see them. This is an important part of ensuring the person’s comfort and dignity during the diaper change.
Make sure that there is a waste basket near the bed as well. If it is full, empty it before you begin the diaper change.
Washing your hands before each diaper change will help to maintain a clean environment for the person in your care and it helps to protect your health as well.
If you are working in a healthcare environment, such as a nursing home or hospital, always check to see what personal protective equipment is required before you enter the person’s room. For example, you might need to put on a gown and mask before entering some patients’ rooms. Put on the gown first, mask next, and gloves last. [7] X Research source
Make sure that the clothing will not be in the way of the diaper change. In some cases it may be easier to remove the item of clothing completely before doing the diaper change.
You may need to push the person’s legs out to the side to make room for the diaper. Let them know what you are doing by continuing to talk to them during the diaper change. If the person is physically and cognitively able to help you, ask them to spread their legs open further as you roll the diaper down between their legs.
If the person’s diaper was only soiled with urine, then you may only need 1 or 2 wipes. However, if it was soiled with feces then you might need 4 or more wipes to cleanse the person thoroughly. For women, wipe in between the labia going from front to back. For men, wipe the tip of the penis and the area around it. If the man is uncircumcised, then gently roll back the foreskin and wipe the head of the penis. Then, return the foreskin back over the head of the penis.
If the person is too heavy for you to roll on your own and they are not capable of rolling on their own, ask someone to help you keep the person on their side while you clean them. Have a helper place a hand on the person’s hip and shoulder to keep the person on their side while you wipe.
Never place a soiled diaper onto the person’s bed, bedside table, or the floor.
Keep rinsing the cloth and wiping as many times as needed to get the person completely clean. For extra cleansing power, add small amount of soap or body wash to the washcloth and wipe the person. Then, rinse the washcloth and wipe them again to remove the soap.
Changing your gloves before handling the clean diaper helps to prevent contaminating it or getting urine or feces onto the person’s bed, body, or clothing.
Make sure the diaper is oriented the right way so that the inside of it is facing towards the person’s body.
Be careful not to rub the person’s skin with the towel as this will likely irritate their skin.
For women, apply ointment or cream around the outside of the vagina and in the folds between the woman’s legs. For men, apply ointment around (but not on) the penis and in the area between the testicles and perineum.
Make sure that the diaper is snug, but not too tight.
For example, if the person wants to sit up in bed, then use the bed controls to raise the head of their bed, or prop the person up with pillows.
If you put on any other person protective equipment before beginning the diaper change, then make sure to remove it and throw it away in the designated receptacles. [24] X Research source
