Description
Incontinence is an expected part of being bedbound. Proper cleaning techniques will maintain skin integrity and prevent infections as well as provide dignity and comfort for the bedbound person.

This topic describes the proper method for cleansing skin after an incontinent episode

What you'll need

• Sturdy Plastic Basin/Bowl/Bucket to be filled with warm water
• Roll of Soft Toilet Paper /or Box of Facial Tissues
• Soft Wash Cloths/Disposable Wipes
• Soft Towel for drying
• Mild Soap/Hypoallergenic Body Wash
• Protective Cream
• Powder/ talc or cornstarch
• Incontinent Disposable briefs/pull-ups
• Portable container for ready access to supplies
• Lined Trash Can or Large Plastic Bag (*if using wash cloths you will need 2 cans or 2 plastic bags)
• Plastic Disposable Gloves

Task time
5-10 minutes

Steps

1. Assemble supplies in a portable container
2. Discuss the process with recipient before and during care
3. Fill the Basin/Bowl/Bucket with warm water
4. Bring a Lined Trash Can next to bed for easy access for disposal of soiled paper products or open large plastic bag and place on foot of bed
5. Put on Gloves
6. If incontinent briefs are being used, remove soiled brief
7. Initially wipe away as much stool or urine as possible with toilet paper or facial tissue and discard into lined trash can or plastic bag
8. Wet and wring wash cloth, and apply minimal amount of body wash to first cloth
9. Wash front genital area first-discard disposable wipe into plastic bag or trash can, (*wash cloths into separate bag or can). This single use method will keep the basin water clean and prevent contamination/infection.
10. Wet and wring additional wash cloths or disposable cloths- remembering to wipe from front to back until all visible incontinence has been removed and area is clean.
11. Rinse thoroughly
12. Dry area with soft towels
13. Apply protective cream to buttocks and groin folds
14. Apply powder to dry clean cloth and dust area around waist or between skin folds
15. Remove gloves
16. Apply incontinent brief/pullup

Reminder
Repositioning may be necessary to complete this cleaning process

Helpful Tips

• If a hospital bed is in use, raise the bed to the caregiver’s waist height to avoid back strain.
• To prevent leakage from incontinent briefs and prevent frequent full linen changes, ensure that a bed pad or disposable paper pad is positioned from under the waist to the mid thigh area
• Be alert to redness, rash or irritation, and notify your health care provider of these changes in skin
• If there is a change in the pattern of normal frequency, color, odor or pain with incontinence, notify your health care provider