Changing a disabled person's diaper requires time and patience. The diaper should be changed regularly, even if the person is dry, to keep his skin healthy, according to MedlinePlus. Keeping his skin healthy ensures that no rashes or infections occur. The steps to changing a disabled person's diaper are similar to those for changing an infant's diaper. Changing an adult's diaper may prove more challenging, though, as adults are heavier and harder to maneuver, especially if they are unable to assist you.
Step 1
Transfer the patient into her bed and place her flat on her back. If she is wheelchair dependent, transfer boards or lifting devices can help you safely move her.
Step 2
Put on a pair of latex gloves. If either of you is allergic to latex, wear nonlatex gloves to prevent an allergic reaction. Unfasten the plastic pull tabs on the diaper by lifting up on the tabs.
Step 3
Spread his legs apart to allow easy access to his genital area and to enable you to clean waste or urine off him.
Step 4
Wipe the genital area clean with wipes or a clean, warm washcloth. To prevent infections, wipe from top to bottom or front to back. Make sure you switch to a clean part of the wipe or washcloth with each stroke, which ensures you are using a sanitary method and not contaminating the urinary tract with fecal matter.
Step 5
Roll the disabled person onto her side once the genital area is completely clean and fold the diaper closed under her, which ensures the soiled portion of the diaper is covered and can no longer touch her skin.
Step 6
Remove the soiled diaper from the bed by gently sliding it underneath the disabled person's bottom. Place the diaper in an appropriate receptacle.
Step 7
Open a fresh, clean diaper. Once the new diaper is open, roll the disabled person back onto his side if he has rolled onto his back at this point. Gently slide the new diaper under him and place him flat on his back. You may need to roll him onto his opposite side to ensure the new diaper is in a good position, fully covering his bottom with enough diaper still showing in the front to fully cover his genitals.
Step 8
Lift the front of the diaper up over the genital area. To fasten the front of the diaper, lift the pull tabs from their position and stretch them to the front of the diaper and lay them in a comfortable position. You want the diaper to fit snugly but not so tightly that it could cut off circulation or so loosely that it will fall off.
Step 9
Remove your gloves and wash your hands. Washing your hands prevents the spreading of germs, infection and human waste.
Tips and Warnings
- Asking a co-worker or family member to assist can ease the diaper-changing process, especially when you are lifting and rolling the disabled person. Using hand sanitizer can help ensure your hands are clean. Apply ointment or rash cream if the person's skin shows signs or symptoms of a rash such as patchy, red areas.
Things You'll Need
- Bed
- Transfer devices (optional)
- Gloves
- Wipes or washcloth
- Clean adult diaper
- Soap
- Water
