It isn't always possible for someone who is ill, frail, or in pain to have a ‘normal' bath or shower.

At these times, you can preserve hygiene (especially if the person is incontinent or unable to leave their bed for a prolonged period) by giving them a warm, soothing bed bath. The person may be able to wash independently if you get everything ready and stay nearby to lend a hand. Or, you may need to give them a cleansing bed bath from head to toe!

We've asked nurses to share their bed bath tips, so you can benefit from their experience at home. Family carers have also contributed ideas about how they make bed baths special for the person they support.

Their consensus? Don't rush, or the experience will be stressful for both of you. Set aside at least half an hour. Ensure the room is a pleasant temperature, suitable for the season, and free from drafts. If your family member isn't well, or is in pain, organise the bed bath after they've taken their pain medication.

Have everything you'll need at arm's length so you don't need to leave the room if you forget something. You may want to keep toiletries and grooming items in a bag or container so they are handy whenever a bed bath is called for. As with any bath, it can be fun to decorate the water with flower petals, or scent the water with favourite essential oils, body washes, or bubble bath. Light a candle, and give your family member a gentle massage as you work through the bath!

Bed bath bowl 

Use latex gloves when dealing with body fluids such as urine, blood, vomit, or faeces. Gloves should also be worn when changing dressings on open wounds or giving an injection. Dispose of faeces in the toilet, and use wet wipes to clean the person's bottom before starting the bed bath. Put soiled items in a plastic bag as you go along; you can wash or dispose of them later. Keep the room free of clutter so you don't trip as you move around the bed!

TIP!

If your family member can do some of their own bed bath, let them! Balance the bowl of water on the bed so it's easy for them to reach. Leave other items they'll need on or next to the bed. Leave the room if the person wants privacy or, if it's not safe to do this (if they are unsteady sitting up, for example) stay nearby to help. Allow your family member to choose whether he or she feels up to a bed bath, and at what time.

How to give a bed bath

Help with undressing, and cover the person with a soft, lightweight blanket, towel or top sheet for comfort and modesty.

Fill a midsized bowl with comfortably warm water. During the bath, change the water as it cools so it is always soothing and warm.

Use a clean, soft cloth or cleansing wipe to wash ears and eyes. Then wash and gently dry every part of the body in turn: face ... chest ... arms ... back. Next, wash the legs, lower body, and groin, then help the person roll onto their side to wash the lower back ... behind the legs ... and finally the buttocks and anal area. Be sure to thoroughly dry folds of skin, genitals, between the buttocks, between fingers and toes, under the arms, beneath breasts etc.

You may want to apply skin lotion, moving from area to area (cleaning, drying, moisturising). Cover each finished area of the body with your soft towel or rug so the person stays warm. Assist with dressing, then with brushing teeth and shaving. Apply lip balm if your family member has dry or chapped lips.

Bed bath items 
If the bed is wet or untidy, change the sheets and pillowslip. It's a good idea to clean bedside stands or tables with alcohol or antibacterial wipes after a bed bath.

While a bed bath can be wonderfully soothing, it can also be exhausting for someone who isn't well. Turn the lights down so your family member can rest, elevating limbs with cushions if required.

What you'll need

  • A midsized, flat-bottomed bowl or container filled with comfortably warm water.
  • Flannels, wipes, and several towels (one for under the neck, one or two for drying, and a large one to lay under the person).Scented and/or moisturising body wash.
  • Soap, or alternatives such as pinetarsol for sensitive skin (available from chemists).
  • Skin lotion, deodorant, talc, other toiletries.
  • Shampoo, hair detangling spray, conditioner (many nurses like ‘no sting' baby shampoo).
  • Combs, brushes, hair grooming items.
  • A soft, lightweight, easily shifted blanket, throw, or sheet to keep the person warm during their bath.
  • Oral hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, dentures, cleansing mouth swabs sold by chemists, floss etc).
  • Clean underwear and clothing.
  • A disposable or electric razor, shaving cream.
  • Disposable gloves, clean continence pads, and a clean disposable or washable bed pad (if used).A plastic bag for soiled wipes, pads, etc.
  • Clean sheets and pillowslips to change the bed after the bath, if required!

Helpful Tips

You can buy aids to shampoo someone's hair in bed, including ‘shampoo caps' and dry shampoos. Or, the person can sit forward holding a bowl of water between their knees while you wash their hair. Another old trick: sprinkle baby powder through oily hair and leave for a few minutes, then brush out over a towel (this works well if the person will be able to shower and shampoo normally in a day or two). Some hairdressers will visit your home to assist with hair care.

Instead of rinsing flannels in the bowl of water, use a fresh cloth to wash each area of the body. Yes, you'll go through a few flannels, but the water will stay clean, and one bowl of water may be enough for the complete bath. Use fresh flannels for rinsing. There is nothing like liberal soap and water, which is then rinsed off. It pays to keep a set of flannels exclusively for use on the person's genitals and bottom; rinse and soak these in an antibacterial or bleach solution before laundering as usual. For convenience, you can buy disposable cleansing cloths infused with moisturising body wash!