How to Change Elderly Diapers
Promptly changing wet or soiled diapers decreases the chance of a person developing a skin rash or skin breakdown. A diaper change is also a chance for a caregiver to inspect the person's skin for any problem areas. Depending on the level of the person's mobility, it may require two people to change the person's diaper. Changing an adult's diaper is difficult, but certain steps can ensure the diaper change goes smoothly for both the person and the changer.
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Things You'll Need
- Gloves
- Blue pad or towel
- Moistened wipes
- Perineal spray
- Wet washcloth
- Powder
- Moisture barrier cream
- Adult diaper
Instructions
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Provide privacy and instruct the person to lie on his back. Gather supplies and don a pair of gloves.
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Place a blue pad or towel under the person's buttocks. If the person is unable to lift his buttocks so you can slide the blue pad under him, push the pad under the person's buttocks as far as you can without making the person uncomfortable. This is an optional step to decrease the chance of a mess.
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Peel back the adhesive fasteners on the soiled diaper. Fold the fasteners down so the sticky side adheres to itself. Fold the top portion of the diaper into itself so the soiled portion is covered by the outside of the diaper.
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Assist the person to roll to one side. Fold the exposed part of the diaper into itself so the soiled inside of the diaper is covered by the cleaner outside of the diaper.
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Clean the exposed portion of the person's buttocks and genitals with moistened wipes or a perineal spray and wet washcloth. The person can bend the knee of his top leg and move the leg up slightly so you have better access to clean his genitals and buttocks. If the person is a female, remember to clean her vaginal area beginning at the front and moving toward the buttocks.
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Apply optional powder or moisture barrier cream to the person's genitals or buttocks.
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Tuck half of the new adult diaper under the soiled diaper. Make sure you leave enough of the clean diaper to cover the visible portion of the person's buttocks.
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Pull the folded soiled diaper out from under him and dispose of the diaper in the trash. Unroll the tucked portion of the new diaper.
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Assist the person to lie on his back. Clean any areas of the genitals that may have been missed earlier. Make sure the diaper is even on both sides of the person's body.
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Pull the front portion of the diaper between the person's legs. Fasten the adhesive fasteners on each side to the front portion of the diaper.
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Remove the blue pad or towel. Remove and dispose of the gloves. Wash your hands with soap and water.
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Tips & Warnings
After putting on the new adult diaper, check the edges of the diaper around the legs to make sure the edging is not folded under itself, which can cause leaks.
Check the person's diaper at least every two hours and change it when soiled.
