7 Important Bathing Supplies For Bedridden Patients

When someone is bedridden, bathing can be difficult. You may need to find ways to help the person get into a bathtub or shower and then keep them safe once they are there. Luckily, some supplies for bedridden patients will make this process easier for everyone involved. If you're caring for someone bedridden, consider these must-have items for bathing in the tub or shower:

Plastic Grab Bars

Plastic Grab Bars aren important bathing supply for bedridden patients. Plastic is cheap and affordable, and it does the job well. It provides the right amount of friction without being too tacky, allowing for users to have a firm grip on the handle to restore their stability. This can help to prevent falls as they provide firm support for sitting and standing, depending on where the user places the grab bar. 

Adjustable Height Shower Chair Or Stool

An adjustable-height shower chair or stool is a great way to give your loved one a shower. You can adjust the height of the chair and bring it down to make it easier for them to get into it, or you can adjust the height of their feet and bring them up, so they don't have to bend down as far when getting in and out. You can also adjust the height of the showerhead so that your loved one doesn't have to bend over too much when bathing.

Small Basin Or Dishpan

It's important to have a small basin or dishpan that is lightweight and easy to handle. The basin should be large enough to fit the person's head, and shoulders and have a secure handle. The basin size depends on how often you bathe your loved one, but most people need around 3 gallons of water for a full bath (the average adult has about 80 lbs of body weight). You can always heat more than one batch if needed!

Soap And Shampoo

Soap and shampoo can help you maintain healthy skin. You should choose a mild, fragrance-free soap that will not irritate your skin. As for shampoo, look for one that doesn't contain harsh chemicals and is gentle enough to use on the most sensitive scalps. You can use a washcloth to apply soap and shampoo if needed; be sure to rinse thoroughly so that no residue remains on your body after bathing.

Washcloths Or Sponges

Washcloths or sponges are the best tools for cleaning body parts. They should be soft and absorbent, with a durable yet flexible enough material to clean hard-to-reach places like the back. Washcloths are great for general cleaning, while sponges may be better suited for large areas like your back or chest.

Towels

Ideally, you should choose soft, absorbent towels. A loop to hang the towel from is also a nice feature to have. The towel should be large enough to wrap around the person being bathed and long enough so that it doesn't drag on the floor while sitting in bed or in a chair. For bathing someone in bed, you will need a bath towel large enough to wrap around them comfortably (a good rule of thumb is twice as big as your average bath sheet).

Bathrobe And Slippers

A bathrobe and slippers are the next most important thing to have in your bedridden patient's room. The robe will keep them warm and comfortable, while the slippers will help keep their clothes clean, especially if they cannot move their legs or arms very well. The slippers may also help prevent slipping in the tub or shower.

Conclusion

We hope this article has helped help you get through the difficult task of bathing your loved one, who may be bedridden or recovering from surgery. If you have any questions about what supplies are best for a particular situation, please contact us!