Timely and proper changing of adult diapers is an essential part of caring for the elderly and disabled. Remaining in a soiled diaper diminishes a person's sense of dignity, and it can cause discomfort, odor problems, bacterial accumulation on the skin, itchiness and rashes. Change adult diapers immediately after they become soiled and immediately after waking for those who wear them overnight, advises the Disabled World website. Proper technique makes the process as easy as possible and prevents inadvertent injury to the person being cared for.
Step 1
Put on a pair of latex gloves for the sake of your own hygiene. Place a protective bed pad on a bed if the person whose diaper needs changing isn't already there.
Step 2
Help the person lie down slowly on her back. Gently remove her pants.
Step 3
Unfasten the tabs located on the sides of the diaper. They are typically an adhesive strip or Velcro on adult diapers.
Step 4
Assist the person gently in rolling onto her side. Always grasp the hips when rolling someone over. To avoid injury, never push or pull from the legs, back, arms or shoulders, cautions Golden Age Medical.
Step 5
Roll the diaper inward and over the soiled area as you ease it away from the person's skin. You may be able to remove it completely this way. If not, make sure the diaper is securely folded over the soiled spot and gently roll the person over to her other side. You will then be able to pull the diaper the rest of the way out.
Step 6
Clean the skin around the groin, anus and inner thighs thoroughly with pre-moistened wipes or a cloth dampened with warm water and soap. When cleaning up after a bowel movement, wipe away from the genitals, not toward them. Pat all skin dry with a towel.
Step 7
Apply baby powder or a mild hydrating lotion to the same areas you cleaned. This is soothing and prevents chafing and itchiness, says Disabled World.
Step 8
Change the bed pad if necessary if you're tending to someone bedridden. This is most easily accomplished while the person is still on her side. Leave about one-third of the pad slack up against her back, suggests Golden Age Medical, so it will be centered when she lies down flat again.
Step 9
Position a clean adult diaper so that the person can be gently rolled over it. Help her return to her back. Pull the diaper up, get it properly aligned and seal the tabs on the side.
Step 10
Throw the soiled diaper and your latex gloves away. Wash your hands with soap and warm water.
Things You'll Need
- Latex gloves
- Bed pad
- Wipes
- Towel
- Adult diaper
