Changing the adult, disposable diaper, which caregivers should instead call "briefs," can be done safely, easily and comfortably with two caregivers. An adult may need personal hygiene care in a number of care-giving scenarios. Caregivers should provide such care with attention to comfort and pain-free movement. Understanding the basics of moving a patient to perform this important task will help caregivers perform confident, ergonomic care for their loved ones or patients.
Step 1
Pull on sanitary gloves. Stand on one side of the bed, your helper beside you. Prepare your supplies and have them ready at the foot of the bed. Preserve patient dignity and modesty and let them know what you're going to do, even if you think they can't hear you.
Step 2
Carefully open the brief by releasing the pull tabs at each hip. Situate the used brief between the patient's legs and roll or fold so saturated or dirty areas aren't touching the skin. Clean the area using warm water or a sanitary wipe or cleansing foam.
Step 3
Place the patient's arms down by her sides and her legs together. Then place your hands on the shoulder and hip of the patient to prepare to turn her toward you. Your helper may stand by ready to help roll the patient in your direction by also placing her hands on the patient's hips and ankles.
Step 4
Roll the patient toward you. This is one of the most common positioning moves for caregivers, and it is called a log roll. Remove the soiled brief from the bedding. Clean the posterior and perineal area of the patient.
Step 5
Place a new brief, inside facing up, on the bedding, with the long edge directly up against your patient's buttocks. Smooth the brief to prevent wrinkles. Slightly tuck the far edge of the brief beneath the patient's hip with your fingers, taking care not to push against the patient's skin. You may gently fold or roll the edge of the brief that's situated on the lying side of the patient's hip as long as there's no large bump for her to roll over.
Step 6
Direct your helper to stand on the other side of the bed. Place your hands on the patient's shoulder and hip to roll the patient onto her back. Your helper will repeat the process and roll the patient toward her.
Step 7
Straighten out the brief and then roll the patient onto her back. Grasp the front end of the brief and pull up between the legs. Attach sides with the tabs.
Things You'll Need
- Sanitary gloves
- Adult diaper
- Cleansing foam or wipes (optional)
- Washcloth
- Warm water
