If you are out in public, use a handicap stall. This will provide more space for the diaper change and there should be a sturdy support bar attached to the wall that the person can hold onto.
If you are working in a healthcare environment, then make sure to don any other required protective items prior to entering the person’s room. In some cases, you may also need to put on a gown and mask to protect yourself and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Always put on the gown first, mask next, and then gloves last. [2] X Research source
Make sure to ask the person if they feel okay standing. Even if they normally stand up for diaper changes, it is a good idea to ask them if they feel stable before you begin.
Make sure that you have the correct size diaper and all of your supplies within arm’s reach before you begin.
Check to see if the diaper contains feces before you pull it down. If feces is present, then use the diaper to collect as much of it in the diaper as you can. Make sure to communicate with the person as you pull down their pants and remove the old diaper. Tell them what you are doing before you do it. If the diaper is a pull-up style, then you can either pull it down around the person’s ankles or tear the sides to rip it off. The diaper should tear easily along the side seams. However, you will need to remove the person’s pants completely to help them into a new pull-up style diaper.
Pay special attention to creases and folds of the person’s skin since these are more prone to infection and skin breakdown if they are left soiled. If the diaper was only soiled with urine, 1 or 2 wipes should be enough to cleanse the area. However, if the diaper was soiled with feces, you may need to use 4 or more wipes to get the person completely clean. If wipes are not sufficient to get the person clean, wet a washcloth under warm (not hot) running water, and then wring out the excess so that the cloth is just damp. Wipe the person’s groin, perineum, and buttocks with the washcloth going from front to back. [5] X Research source
Do not rub the person’s private area with a towel as this can be irritating. Just pat them gently with the towel until their skin is dry.
If you are changing a woman’s diaper, then do not apply the cream inside of her vagina or labia. Only apply it around the outside of her vagina, such as in the folds between her legs. For men, apply the ointment in between his legs and groin and under the testicles.
Make sure the diaper is oriented the right way so that the inside is facing towards the person’s body. If the person is able, have them close their legs slightly when you put it in between their legs. This will help to keep it in place while you adjust it. If the diaper is a pull-up style, then you will simply need to have the person step into the new diaper and pull it up around their body like you would pull up a pair of underwear. Make sure that the diaper is oriented correctly before you ask the person to step into it.
You may also ask the person to reach back and hold the back of the diaper in place while you adjust the front of it, or keep the diaper in place by leaning your hip against it slightly.
Ask the person to place a hand over the front of the diaper to keep it up while you secure the tabs.
Some adult disposable diapers have more than 1 tab on each side, so you might need to secure 2 tabs per side.
If you need a timer to help you wash your hands for the right amount of time, hum the happy birthday song 2 times.
