How to Change a Bedridden Person

As a disabled person who went through a period where I could not do anything for myself, I understand what a person goes through when they so desperately need the help of someone else. Especially in these delicate and sensitive matters.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• patience
• compassion
• bed pad
• trash can
• hamper
• wet towels, baby wipes, or a pan of water with soap.
• change of underwear, diaper, or whatever is appropriate
• ability to physically turn person, lift their legs, or physically assist
• someone to assist you in the changing process

1. Place items at arms reach.
   Note: (Most disposable briefs tear away on both side for easier removal]
   Place the bed pad under the person by first (turning them) or having them turn on their side. Slide one half of the bed pad under them and repeat the process by going on the opposite side and having them turn. Catch the remaining pad and pull it completely under the person. Now you have a
   clean surface on which to work until you can change the bed linens, if necessary.
   Gently begin to remove clothing. This may require that you turn the person slightly to gain access under the person.
   Slide the [soiled] clothing/diaper/underwear down the [left/right] hip of the person and then gently place hand under person to slide remove clothing from underneath.
   Slide clothing down [right/left] of the person and remove soiled clothing.
2. Once soiled clothing is removed, place disposable items in trash and washable items in hamper or receptacle to be washed later.
   Using the wipes, towels, or pan of water, begin to gently cleanse the soiled area. If there is an abundance of solid soiling, then use the disposable wipes to remove it, trash them, and follow up with soap and water or a wet towel for final cleansing.
3. For thorough cleansing, it will be necessary to have the person lift or spread legs and turn in order to clean underneath.
   Just as in the bed pad step, have the person turn on either side. If the person is unable to turn on their own, assist them by gently tilting them with one hand while wiping or washing area with the other hand. Repeat this step on the opposite side.
   Once cleansed, turn person from left to right to remove bed pad as it may be wet from cleansing process.
4. Once the person is cleansed throughly, dry the skin with a clean dry towel to reduce the chance of skin irritation.
   Optional: (Use talc or skin cream on cleansed area for protection from irritation.)
   Pull undergarments on person from feet up and turn person slightly to completely dress them.
   Patient may have to be tilted slightly for disposable undergarments that have adhesive at the waist. Once fitted to underside of person, pull diaper up between persons legs and fit at adhesive.

Tips & Warnings

• Please use patience and compassion.
• Make pleasant conversation with person during procedure to make them feel at ease.
• Have all materials at hands reach just in case person cannot be left unattended.
• If you do not have the skill, compassion, and patience to deal with such a person, please demand it of yourself, get assistance, or remember that one day you may need that same type of assistance yourself!