How to Give a Sponge Bath for Adults

When an individual is bedridden, a sponge bath is often necessary. These should be given anywhere from several times a week to multiple times daily, depending on the condition of the individual. You should take into account excessive sweating, bed sores, and bathroom practices when deciding on the frequency of the baths. When giving a sponge bath, it's important to remain respectful, and to inform the person of what you are doing while you are doing it. Maintaining communication will make the process less stressful for the patient.

Things You'll Need

• Non-skid shoes
• Plastic sheets
• Cup of water
• Container
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Oral sanitizer
• Banket
• Basin
• Two washcloths
• Towel
• Bath soap
• Lotion

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Instructions

• 1

  Practice your stance. Make sure to stand with your feet planted firmly, shoulder width apart. Wear non-skid shoes so that if you get water on the floor, you can protect yourself and avoid falling.

• 2

  Cover the bed with plastic sheets before you attempt to give the person a bath. This will make for easy cleanup. If you are unable to find these, be prepared to change the sheets after you bathe the person.

• 3

  Allow the person to use the urinal or bedpan before you begin the sponge bath. If possible, elevate the bed so that the person receiving the bath is in a sitting position.

• 4

  Fill a cup with water. Bring the cup of water, an empty container or bucket, and a toothbrush and toothpaste. Help the person brush his teeth if applicable. If not, allow the person to rinse with mouthwash or another oral sanitizer.

• 5

  Check the temperature of the room. Keep the room warm but not hot. Gently undress the person. Cover the person with a towel or blanket. Fill your basin with lukewarm water. Test the temperature of the water. Put on your disposable gloves.

• 6

  Return the person to a lying down position. Wet one washcloth and apply soap. Wash the face, front of the neck and sides of the neck. Rinse with wet, though not soaking wet, clean washcloth. Pat the face, front of the neck, and sides of the neck, dry with the towel.

• 7

  Uncover the chest and gently wash the chest and stomach. Clean under the breasts, if the person that you are bathing is female. Don't forget to clean the belly button. This can be done with a cotton swab. Pat the recently washed area dry and recover.

• 8

  Wash the arms from the wrist up. Make sure to clean the underarms. Pat dry when finished. Wash the hands, pay special attention to the area between the fingers and the finger nails. These places are breeding grounds for bacteria. Dry after washing. Uncover the legs and wash legs, feet, and toes. Pat dry, make sure the area between the toes is particularly dried off to prevent bacteria growth. Clean the toenails.

• 9

  Wash the genitals thoroughly. This area of the body is also likely to breed bacteria so make sure to dry the area off as well. Because people are more uncomfortable with this part of the body being washed, if possible, have the person wash his own genitals.

• 10

  Fill the basin with clean water. Move the person so that he is lying on his side. Try to keep the front portion of the body as covered as possible so that the person stays warm. Bathe the backside of the individual from the neck to the buttocks. Dry the person completely. Apply lotion to the body so that the skin stays hydrated. Dress the person in clean clothes and change the sheets. Merely remove the plastic sheet if you chose to use one of these.