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I have a bedridden father who I’m trying to shower without the net used on the hoyer lift to get him out of bed and into a shower wheelchair. Does anyone know if this is possible and if so, how?
That sounds WAY to hard and complicated to me, so why don't you instead just give him bed baths? When my late husband was completely bedridden and under hospice care, the aides came twice a week to give him bed baths. But because part of his stint with hospice was during Covid, there were about 5 or 6 months when the aides were not allowed to come, and my son and I had to give him bed baths. It's really not difficult at all, as long as you have one person to help roll and hold the person on their side while the other washes them up. Once you get the hang of it it doesn't take long at all. I wish you well in getting things figured out for your father.
I agree with funkygrandma59. My LO is bedridden as well, and we refused to put her (and ourselves) at any risk with a Hoyer lift. So, bed baths are the solution for us (she is getting one right now from the hospice aide). The bed bath is quite effective in getting her clean.
No. Absolutely not! Who in the world suggested such a thing to you. WHY would you consider such a thing? I say this as an RN. You do not shower a bedridden person.
You can get a shower sling. The problem with using the regular full sling is it will get wet and they take a while to dry. If you have the split leg sling that might be a bit easier to get off him once you get him in the shower wheelchair. Is dad on Hospice? If so they will provide one. (as well as a CNA 2 or 3 times a week to shower him.) I used both the shower sling and the split leg sling for transferring my Husband but for showers I used the net type one. If you do get a split leg one that can be removed more easily once he is in the shower chair. (crisscross the leg strap parts less likely to squeeze the "beans and frank")
whats the difference between a split leg sling and a shower sling? we have a 'u-sling' which i think, depending on the material, is also a shower sling (if mesh, it can get wet)-a u-sling is also called a sani/hygeine sling i think-thanks
They make rinse free disposable clothes that all you have to do is moisten with a little warm water, they lather up and you can wash while the person is in bed and then pat dry with a towel.
Bed baths- when my M was quite suddenly in the last stages of cancer, and incontinent, I had very little experience and did NOT know how to clean her up and change her bedding. I phoned the support people, who thought that I was asking for them to come and do it. They were fairly ‘snotty’. When the penny dropped, I discovered that you roll M to one side, remove the exposed sheet towards her back, put in the new sheet, then roll her back over the lump of bedding, remove the other side of the old bedding, and straighten out the new stuff. Obvious when you know, but not when it’s all new.
Perhaps you don’t know this when you need to wash F in bed. You may need a rubber sheet, and one more side to side roll – remove the old, put in the waterproof, wipe him down with nice warm water, then roll again, remove the waterproof, put in the new bedding.
Forgive me if I am telling you something you already know, but I remember the time when I DIDN'T know it.
Is the issue the shower procedure? Or just removing the net sling?
Shower procedure may go like; . Undress on bed . Roll to place Hoyer sling under * . Hoyer lift to commode ** . Roll commode into shower *** . Remove sling (if fabric - can keep in place if net shower type) . Shower . Cover person with towel to stay warm . Roll commode back to bedside . Lay towels on bed . Hoyer lift onto bed . Dry & redress on bed . Roll to remove towels
* 2 x assist to Hoyer lifting, especially an adult, especially if frail
** Only if person can SIT safely in a commode without sliding out. A tilted commode can be used IF safe.
*** Only works if a flat floor shower. Otherwise another Hoyer lift from commode onto a chair in the shower but this would need to be a truly giant shower space to allow that.
Remove a sling; . Brakes on commode . Lift 1st leg & remove strap . Lift 2nd leg & remove strap . Tilt torso to remove sling from behind back/under bottom. This can be done by tilting person forward slightly but MUST stand in front to block risk of falling forward. Or tilt to each side if sling is caught under bottom.
Unless the person is quite mobile, that really is a 2 person job.
To replace sling, do in reverse.
If not done before I would NOT attempt solo. Have a trained Aide train you. Or even better, a qualified OT - to assess, problem solve & work.oit the safest way for Dad, you & any other carergivers.
Well done, Beatty! This is the sort of detail that I needed for 'how to do a bed bath'. I looked up the Care Topics just now, and still couldn't find it. Are there Youtube instructions for these things? Pictures and videos would be better. Could we get directions to them put on the site? It's basic, but not obvious if you have never had to do it. I'm not used to contacting Admin. Can you do it? How can we make it happen? Yours, Margaret
Burnt I have to disagree with you about getting a "full bed bath every day" as that is a bit overkill on someone who is bedridden. My late husband was completely bedridden the last 22 months of his life and the hospice aides came twice a week to give him a bed bath, which was plenty as he wasn't exerting himself in any way other than just lying there. And of course I cleaned him up real well after he was done pooping on the bedside commode, and used extra large body wipes if needed. But he certainly didn't need a bed bath every single day.
Please use the equipment of the Hoyer lift if you wish to do this. Trying to lift your bedridden father without it risks hurting him or yourself. However, your father can be cleansed in bed with soap, water and towels. If you want to clean his hair, use either dry shampoo or products that do not require rinsing.
In her final months, I washed Mum's hair using a little shampoo lathered up in my hands and "rinsed" it off using flannels in a bowl of hot water. It worked reasonably well. Even the time that I used a little too much shampoo, her hair felt better than when using the shampoo caps. I found that a synthetic sponge pulled Mum's hair and didn't work as well as cloth flannels. I placed a big towel underneath Mum's neck and shoulders and didn't get Mum too wet. The secret is to use only a tiny amount of shampoo (I tried both a solid shampoo bar and a liquid shampoo - I thought they were both fine). That way there isn't too much to remove. Mum actually fell asleep while I massaged her scalp with the hot flannel, as I removed all traces of soap! I found this better than either dry shampoo or the shampoo caps, as Mum had flakes, like cradle cap and her scalp was sensitive to the chemicals. Mum's hair was only damp, so dried quickly using a hairdryer on a warm setting.
I give my Dad bed baths. But I rarely give a full bath all at once. Instead, I have a daily bath schedule. Each day bathe a little bit. My Dad prefers it that way, especially during winter. So one day I wash his face, arms, and feet. Another day I'll wash his hair. Everything gets washed two to three times a week on a schedule. I use pre-moistened washcloths. I also use a no rinse foam cleanser (can be bought on Amazon). The foam cleanser can also be used as a no rinse shampoo. If the weather is cooler, the Washcloths can be warmed slightly in the microwave. Or, I'll get a bowl of warm water and just dip the washcloth in warm water first. The foam cleanser, put the whole bottle in a bowl of warm water to warm it up a bit. That way it isn't so cold to him. The no rinse foam cleanser has been a huge help with the bathing. If using soap and water, you can tuck those waterproof reusable, washable bed pads around and under him.
Are you asking how to get him to the shower without the net sling on the hoyer lift? If you want to get him to the shower, that sounds like the best way. You can try helping him out of bed without a hoyer lift. If you are strong enough, and he is not too heavy, you can learn to sit him up and pivot transfer to the chair - which should be right against the bed, and about touching his leg, so you stand and do a quarter turn pivot, then gently lower him down using your legs, so you don't hurt your back.
If you want to skip the whole transfer to the shower, which is a good idea, you can give him a bed bath. It can be a lot of work too. It involves rolling him to his side so you can place towels under his body, And please, use nice, soft towels and washcloths! Try to make it a pleasant experience for him. Prepare a basin with warm water, a nice smelling soap, a few washcloths, and some dry hand towels and at least one large bath towel. Like I said, it's a lot of work - and a lot of clean-up afterward! You can add a couple drops of his favorite cologne in the water. Then, starting with the head and face, gently wash him with a warm wet soapy washcloth. Work your way down - the neck & chest, shoulders, down the arms. I like to use disposable wipes for the underarms and the groin, so I can toss them and avoid spreading extra contamination to the rest of the body, and if you use a washcloth for those areas, don't put it back in the clean water! Use a new cloth to continue! Gently wash the entire body, and then wipe down to rinse any soap with a clean cloth and clean warm water. If you can turn him to his side, you can wash his back. I wash my husband's upper body and his back when he's sitting up in his wheelchair. I do this every morning before putting a clean shirt on.
If this whole bathing process makes your father anxious, try giving him a dry hand towel, instructing him to use it to dry. This gives him a part in it, helps him feel more in charge, and distracts him!
You do not need to provide a sponge bath - or even a shower - for a bedridden patient more than once or twice a week.
Here is a section about bathing in bed from my book "Dementia Care Companion" available from Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BFV21P1V
Bathing in Bed Bathing in bed may seem daunting at first, but with a little planning and the right equipment, it can be a relatively easy and smooth process. · Before attempting a bed bath, you’ll need to have mastered the procedure for changing bed sheets while the patient is lying in bed and unable to cooperate with you (described later in this chapter). · The following procedures are described in reference to a hospital bed. A hospital bed can make bathing in bed a lot easier by allowing you to adjust the height of the bed to a comfortable level so as to minimize strain on your back.
Preparing the Supplies Prepare what you will need ahead of time so you won’t have to leave the patient alone during bathing. You’ll need: · Two buckets (one for soapy water, one for rinsing) · One waterproof sheet or a large towel to keep the bed dry · A few washcloths or sponges · A few bath towels · Soap, shampoo, and moisturizing lotion · Makeup items or shaving supplies · A set of clean clothes.
Wash, Rinse, Dry, Inspect · Fill two buckets with warm water, one for soaping up a sponge or washcloth, and the other without soap for rinsing. Be prepared to change the water at least once during the course of bathing. · Wash with a wet washcloth and soapy water. Rinse using another washcloth and clear water. Dry the area before moving on to the next area. · To dry, spread a towel on the area, pat it, and remove the towel. Do not rub the towel on the patient’s skin, as it may cause the skin to break. · Wash a single area at a time. Uncover the area, wash, rinse, and dry, then cover it up again before moving on to the next area. · While washing, inspect the patient’s entire body for signs of skin rash, scratches, and red spots which can be a prelude to pressure ulcers.
Wash in Order · Start with the cleanest areas of the body, and progressively move on to areas that are less clean. · Wet a washcloth without soap. Gently wipe one eyelid from the inside and moving out, and then pat it dry. Repeat on the other eyelid, using a different part of the washcloth. · With soap and water, wash the face, ears, and neck. Rinse and dry before moving on. · Wash one side of the body, and then the other side. Wash the shoulder, arm, and hand, on both sides, then the chest and belly, including the belly button, then the hip, leg, and foot on one side, then the other. Wash one area at a time with soap and water, then rinse, dry, and cover before moving on to the next. · Pay special attention to areas with skin-on-skin contact or folds, such as the armpits, abdomen, belly button, and between the toes. These areas must be clean and dry to prevent skin irritation and fungi growth. · To wash · the patient’s back, first roll the patient onto one side and wash one side of their back, and then roll them onto the other side and wash the other side of their back. · Wash the genital area at the very end. Change the bath water, and use a clean washcloth. First wash the genitals, and then the buttocks. Wash from front to back. · If the patient is able to help, let them wash the genital area themselves. Bend their knees for better access. Make sure they wash from front to back.
Washing the Head For a wash with water and shampoo, you’ll need a source of running water, such as a bottle or a kettle, and a large waterproof sheet and a bucket to collect the rinse water. · Adjust the bed so it is completely horizontal. · Pull the patient to the upper edge of the bed so their head is at the top end of the bed. Take care not to stretch or break their skin in the process. · Roll the waterproof sheet at one end and place it under the patient’s neck. Put the other end of the sheet into the bucket on the floo
The simple instructions are great! Could we have another set for how to change the bottom sheet for a bedridden patient? When my M's condition deteriorated rapidly at the end of cancer, I didn't know how to do it. I phoned for advice, and the medicos thought I was asking for them to come and do it for me. I got a very stiff response. These things aren't as obvious as they seem once you know!
I've seen those deflatable bathtubs that can fit on a bed. I'm not sure of the price. I would think that you would use minimal water just enough to get a good sudsy soak down and maybe use a pitcher to rinse. I've seen these deflatable bathtubs on Amazon. Sorry but I don't remember pricing and if it calls for a pump to inflate and deflate. I'm not sure about water removal either unless it has one of those things to let the water run out in a bucket.
By proceeding, I agree that I understand the following disclosures:
I. How We Work in Washington.
Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services.
APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
II. How We Are Paid.
We do not charge you any fee – we are paid by the Participating Communities. Some Participating Communities pay us a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services you select. We invoice these fees after the senior moves in.
III. When We Tour.
APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
IV. No Obligation or Commitment.
You have no obligation to use or to continue to use our services. Because you pay no fee to us, you will never need to ask for a refund.
V. Complaints.
Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights.
APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.
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When my late husband was completely bedridden and under hospice care, the aides came twice a week to give him bed baths. But because part of his stint with hospice was during Covid, there were about 5 or 6 months when the aides were not allowed to come, and my son and I had to give him bed baths. It's really not difficult at all, as long as you have one person to help roll and hold the person on their side while the other washes them up.
Once you get the hang of it it doesn't take long at all.
I wish you well in getting things figured out for your father.
WHY would you consider such a thing?
I say this as an RN. You do not shower a bedridden person.
The problem with using the regular full sling is it will get wet and they take a while to dry.
If you have the split leg sling that might be a bit easier to get off him once you get him in the shower wheelchair.
Is dad on Hospice? If so they will provide one. (as well as a CNA 2 or 3 times a week to shower him.)
I used both the shower sling and the split leg sling for transferring my Husband but for showers I used the net type one.
If you do get a split leg one that can be removed more easily once he is in the shower chair. (crisscross the leg strap parts less likely to squeeze the "beans and frank")
they work! I even used one in a pinch on day…
https://www.amazon.com/Scrubzz-Disposable-Rinse-Bathing-Wipes/dp/B06XQ9NQPQ
Perhaps you don’t know this when you need to wash F in bed. You may need a rubber sheet, and one more side to side roll – remove the old, put in the waterproof, wipe him down with nice warm water, then roll again, remove the waterproof, put in the new bedding.
Forgive me if I am telling you something you already know, but I remember the time when I DIDN'T know it.
PS I later joined the Board as a Community Rep
Or just removing the net sling?
Shower procedure may go like;
. Undress on bed
. Roll to place Hoyer sling under *
. Hoyer lift to commode **
. Roll commode into shower ***
. Remove sling (if fabric - can keep in place if net shower type)
. Shower
. Cover person with towel to stay warm
. Roll commode back to bedside
. Lay towels on bed
. Hoyer lift onto bed
. Dry & redress on bed
. Roll to remove towels
* 2 x assist to Hoyer lifting, especially an adult, especially if frail
** Only if person can SIT safely in a commode without sliding out.
A tilted commode can be used IF safe.
*** Only works if a flat floor shower. Otherwise another Hoyer lift from commode onto a chair in the shower but this would need to be a truly giant shower space to allow that.
Remove a sling;
. Brakes on commode
. Lift 1st leg & remove strap
. Lift 2nd leg & remove strap
. Tilt torso to remove sling from behind back/under bottom.
This can be done by tilting person forward slightly but MUST stand in front to block risk of falling forward. Or tilt to each side if sling is caught under bottom.
Unless the person is quite mobile, that really is a 2 person job.
To replace sling, do in reverse.
If not done before I would NOT attempt solo. Have a trained Aide train you. Or even better, a qualified OT - to assess, problem solve & work.oit the safest way for Dad, you & any other carergivers.
My late husband was completely bedridden the last 22 months of his life and the hospice aides came twice a week to give him a bed bath, which was plenty as he wasn't exerting himself in any way other than just lying there.
And of course I cleaned him up real well after he was done pooping on the bedside commode, and used extra large body wipes if needed.
But he certainly didn't need a bed bath every single day.
A bed bath is good enough and much safer for both the bedridden person and their carer.
In her final months, I washed Mum's hair using a little shampoo lathered up in my hands and "rinsed" it off using flannels in a bowl of hot water. It worked reasonably well. Even the time that I used a little too much shampoo, her hair felt better than when using the shampoo caps.
I found that a synthetic sponge pulled Mum's hair and didn't work as well as cloth flannels.
I placed a big towel underneath Mum's neck and shoulders and didn't get Mum too wet. The secret is to use only a tiny amount of shampoo (I tried both a solid shampoo bar and a liquid shampoo - I thought they were both fine). That way there isn't too much to remove.
Mum actually fell asleep while I massaged her scalp with the hot flannel, as I removed all traces of soap!
I found this better than either dry shampoo or the shampoo caps, as Mum had flakes, like cradle cap and her scalp was sensitive to the chemicals.
Mum's hair was only damp, so dried quickly using a hairdryer on a warm setting.
I use pre-moistened washcloths. I also use a no rinse foam cleanser (can be bought on Amazon). The foam cleanser can also be used as a no rinse shampoo.
If the weather is cooler, the Washcloths can be warmed slightly in the microwave. Or, I'll get a bowl of warm water and just dip the washcloth in warm water first. The foam cleanser, put the whole bottle in a bowl of warm water to warm it up a bit. That way it isn't so cold to him.
The no rinse foam cleanser has been a huge help with the bathing.
If using soap and water, you can tuck those waterproof reusable, washable bed pads around and under him.
Microwave the wipes and water, and only do a part of the body at a time!
And a large washable bed pad under is great!
You can try helping him out of bed without a hoyer lift.
If you are strong enough, and he is not too heavy, you can learn to sit him up and pivot transfer to the chair - which should be right against the bed, and about touching his leg, so you stand and do a quarter turn pivot, then gently lower him down using your legs, so you don't hurt your back.
If you want to skip the whole transfer to the shower, which is a good idea,
you can give him a bed bath. It can be a lot of work too. It involves rolling him to his side so you can place towels under his body, And please, use nice, soft towels and washcloths! Try to make it a pleasant experience for him.
Prepare a basin with warm water, a nice smelling soap, a few washcloths, and some dry hand towels and at least one large bath towel.
Like I said, it's a lot of work - and a lot of clean-up afterward!
You can add a couple drops of his favorite cologne in the water.
Then, starting with the head and face, gently wash him with a warm wet soapy washcloth. Work your way down - the neck & chest, shoulders, down the arms.
I like to use disposable wipes for the underarms and the groin, so I can toss them and avoid spreading extra contamination to the rest of the body, and if you use a washcloth for those areas, don't put it back in the clean water! Use a new cloth to continue!
Gently wash the entire body, and then wipe down to rinse any soap with a clean cloth and clean warm water. If you can turn him to his side, you can wash his back. I wash my husband's upper body and his back when he's sitting up in his wheelchair. I do this every morning before putting a clean shirt on.
If this whole bathing process makes your father anxious, try giving him a dry hand towel, instructing him to use it to dry. This gives him a part in it, helps him feel more in charge, and distracts him!
You do not need to provide a sponge bath - or even a shower - for a bedridden patient more than once or twice a week.
Bathing in Bed
Bathing in bed may seem daunting at first, but with a little planning and the right equipment, it can be a relatively easy and smooth process.
· Before attempting a bed bath, you’ll need to have mastered the procedure for changing bed sheets while the patient is lying in bed and unable to cooperate with you (described later in this chapter).
· The following procedures are described in reference to a hospital bed. A hospital bed can make bathing in bed a lot easier by allowing you to adjust the height of the bed to a comfortable level so as to minimize strain on your back.
Preparing the Supplies
Prepare what you will need ahead of time so you won’t have to leave the patient alone during bathing. You’ll need:
· Two buckets (one for soapy water, one for rinsing)
· One waterproof sheet or a large towel to keep the bed dry
· A few washcloths or sponges
· A few bath towels
· Soap, shampoo, and moisturizing lotion
· Makeup items or shaving supplies
· A set of clean clothes.
Wash, Rinse, Dry, Inspect
· Fill two buckets with warm water, one for soaping up a sponge or washcloth, and the other without soap for rinsing. Be prepared to change the water at least once during the course of bathing.
· Wash with a wet washcloth and soapy water. Rinse using another washcloth and clear water. Dry the area before moving on to the next area.
· To dry, spread a towel on the area, pat it, and remove the towel. Do not rub the towel on the patient’s skin, as it may cause the skin to break.
· Wash a single area at a time. Uncover the area, wash, rinse, and dry, then cover it up again before moving on to the next area.
· While washing, inspect the patient’s entire body for signs of skin rash, scratches, and red spots which can be a prelude to pressure ulcers.
Wash in Order
· Start with the cleanest areas of the body, and progressively move on to areas that are less clean.
· Wet a washcloth without soap. Gently wipe one eyelid from the inside and moving out, and then pat it dry. Repeat on the other eyelid, using a different part of the washcloth.
· With soap and water, wash the face, ears, and neck. Rinse and dry before moving on.
· Wash one side of the body, and then the other side. Wash the shoulder, arm, and hand, on both sides, then the chest and belly, including the belly button, then the hip, leg, and foot on one side, then the other. Wash one area at a time with soap and water, then rinse, dry, and cover before moving on to the next.
· Pay special attention to areas with skin-on-skin contact or folds, such as the armpits, abdomen, belly button, and between the toes. These areas must be clean and dry to prevent skin irritation and fungi growth.
· To wash · the patient’s back, first roll the patient onto one side and wash one side of their back, and then roll them onto the other side and wash the other side of their back.
· Wash the genital area at the very end. Change the bath water, and use a clean washcloth. First wash the genitals, and then the buttocks. Wash from front to back.
· If the patient is able to help, let them wash the genital area themselves. Bend their knees for better access. Make sure they wash from front to back.
Washing the Head
For a wash with water and shampoo, you’ll need a source of running water, such as a bottle or a kettle, and a large waterproof sheet and a bucket to collect the rinse water.
· Adjust the bed so it is completely horizontal.
· Pull the patient to the upper edge of the bed so their head is at the top end of the bed. Take care not to stretch or break their skin in the process.
· Roll the waterproof sheet at one end and place it under the patient’s neck. Put the other end of the sheet into the bucket on the floo
I'll add make sure the room is warm. Turn heat up several degrees while bathing for warmth.