Changing an adult's diaper is similar to changing a baby's diaper, but it requires a bit more elbow grease. Adult diapers should fit comfortably and completely cover the buttocks. A person may have to try different brands and sizes before he finds one that is right for his situation. At first, this task may feel difficult and awkward to perform, but it becomes easier with practice.
Step 1
Provide privacy for the person. Wash your hands with soap and water. Don a pair of gloves.
Step 2
Instruct the person to lie on his back. Unfasten the tabs on each side of the diaper. Press the tabs down onto themselves to prevent them from sticking to the person's skin or from catching on the new diaper.
Step 3
Fold the front portion of the diaper into itself so the soiled portion is covered by the outside covering. Cleanse the person's genitals with a diaper wipe. If the person is a female, remember to clean her genital area from front to back. Instruct the person to bring one or both knees toward his chest so you can easily clean all the skin folds.
Step 4
Instruct the person to lie on his side and then clean the exposed area of his buttocks with a diaper wipe. Place half of the new diaper on the cleansed portion of the buttocks. Push the other half of the new diaper under the soiled diaper.
Step 5
Instruct the person to roll to his other side. Clean the exposed portion of his buttocks with a diaper wipe. Remove and dispose of the soiled diaper.
Step 6
Spread out the new diaper so it covers the buttocks. Instruct the person to roll onto his back. Check the fit of the diaper to make sure you have an equal portion of the diaper covering both sides of the buttocks. If you need to move the diaper from one side to the other, you can roll the person onto his side again and push more of the diaper under the buttocks. Roll the person to his other side and pull the extra portion out so it covers the buttocks. If the person can move his lower body, instruct him to place his feet on the mattress and push his buttocks up so you can manipulate the position of the diaper.
Step 7
Bring the front of the diaper up so it covers the genitals. Secure the diaper with the attached tabs. Inspect the elastic gathers of the diaper that encircle each leg to make sure they aren't folded over, which can contribute to leaks.
Step 8
Remove and dispose of the gloves. Wash your hands with soap and water.
Tips and Warnings
- At each diaper change inspect the skin of the genitals and buttocks for signs of irritation, a rash or breaks on the skin. Check the person's diaper for soiling every one to two hours and change it when needed. If the person has a hospital bed, lift the bed up to a comfortable working level so you don't have to bend as much. Make sure you lower the bed back to the lowest position when you are finished with the diaper change. If you think there could be a mess while changing a diaper, you can place a towel or absorbent pad under the person's buttocks before changing the diaper. Even if the person has only urinated, you need to clean both his genitals and buttocks.
Things You'll Need
- Gloves
- Diaper wipes
- Diaper
