What is the Proper Way to Give a Bed Bath?

The proper way to give a bed bath depends on who you ask. Even health care experts have different approaches; however, what is agreed upon is that this procedure needs to be done in a quick, matter-of-fact, dignity-sparing manner. The Minnesota Department of Health endorses a particular method.

Things You'll Need

• Blanket
• Basin or tub of warm water
• Wash rags
• Towels
• Hand soap
• Rubber gloves
• Surgical mask
• N95 respirator

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Instructions

• 1

  Prepare the room before performing the bed bath. The room should be warm so the patient does not become chilled. Next fill a basin with warm water. It should be comfortable to the touch and no hotter than 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Then put a light-weight cotton or flannel blanket over the bed sheet and remove the bed sheet. The blanket will be left to cover the patient.

• 2

  Start with the head (face, neck and ears). Gently wash one area at a time with the wet wash rag and soap. Rinse by immersing the rag in the basin and wringing it out, then wiping off the soap. Follow this by gently patting the area dry with a towel. Wash one section of the body at a time, moving downward. Keep the body covered except for the part you are washing to preserve dignity and keep patient warm. When you do the back, gently roll the person on his side and put a towel along the back (so the bed remains dry). Wash, rinse and dry as normal.

• 3

  Before you move to the genital area, wash the feet by putting the tub of water directly on the bed and putting the feet into it, one at a time. Wash, rinse and dry as normal. You may want to empty the water and refill it at this time or any time during the procedure that the water appears dirty or too soapy.

• 4

  You should save the genital area for last. Wash this area in a quick, efficient manner. Only lift the blanket as much as is necessary. Wash, rinse and dry as normal. Be sure to wash under a man's testicles. On a woman wash the labia, but don't worry about deeper cleaning. To reach the rear area, you will need to push the body to one side as much as you can. Another option may be to bend her knees if possible and reach from the front. Once you clean the rear area, put the cleaning cloths and towels immediately into the laundry. No one should handle them without rubber gloves until they have been laundered in hot water.