Video: How to wash a person (for care workers)

Transcript

[Music plays]

>> Narrator (female voice): How to wash a person for care workers.

In this video you will be shown how to wash a person by following a step-by-step process.

This is a two-person task.

It is important to keep the person as covered up as possible whilst washing them. Only have the body part that is being washed exposed. This will keep them warm and preserve their dignity.

Place a towel underneath the part of the person that you are washing so that the bed doesn’t get wet.

This is a good time to check the person’s skin for any wounds or red areas.

Report any problems with the skin to your manager or supervisor.

Step 1.

Get the things you need

• 2 towels
• 2 pairs of gloves
• 3 washcloths
• The step-by-step guide
• A comb or a brush
• Moisturiser
• Gentle soap or body wash
• Rubbish bag
• Disposable wipes
• Some dry shampoo or powder or you can use a shampoo cap if you have one
• Hand sanitiser
• And a bowl of clean warm water.

Before you start, clean your hands.

Raise the bed to hip height if possible so you don’t have to bend over.

Put on the gloves.

Explain to the person that you are going to wash them.

Continue to tell the person what you are doing, even if they cannot respond.

Place a towel under the person’s head and over their chest.

Step 2.

Wash the person’s face, ears and neck with a soapy washcloth.

Use a second wet wash cloth to wash the soap off.

Gently pat dry the person’s face, ears and neck with the towel.

Step 3.

Wash, rinse and dry the arms, armpits and hands with the same method.

Step 4.

Wash, rinse and dry the chest and abdomen.

Step 5.

Wash, rinse and dry the legs and feet.

Step 6.

Move the towel under the person’s bottom.

Lift one leg to wash, rinse and dry the groin and pubic area.

Make sure that you wipe from the front to the back when cleaning this area.

Use disposable wipes first if needed to clean up any mess.

Lower the leg.

Put the washcloth used on the genitals aside.

Get fresh warm water and a clean washcloth.

Step 7.

With your helper holding onto the person, lift and bend the leg and roll the person onto the side that is most comfortable for them by gently pushing on their shoulder and hip.

Place a towel alongside the person to keep the sheets dry.

Step 8.

Use a new washcloth to wash the person’s back.

Rinse the back, then dry with the towel.

Step 9.

Wash, rinse and dry the person’s bottom. Again, use disposable wipes if there is any mess.

Remove the towel.

Remove your gloves and clean your hands.

Step 10.

Apply some moisturiser to the body where it is needed.

This will help stimulate blood flow and reduce the risk of pressure sores developing.

Roll the person gently onto their back.

Step 11.

Dress the person and put them in a comfortable position.

Step 12.

Clean the hair with dry shampoo, powder or use a shampoo cap.

Brush or comb it into the person’s usual style.

As a final step, gently remove the towel from under the person’s head.

Lower the bed to a safe level.

After you have finished you can clean your hands.

[Text on screen: caring@home. caringathomeproject.com.au. caring@home is funded by the Australian Government and led by Brisbane South Palliative Care Collaborative]