How To Take A Tub Bath
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GENERAL INFORMATION:
What is it? Taking a tub bath helps keep the skin clean and protected from infection. It may also help you relax and feel better. If you have special needs check with the caregivers before taking a bath. These needs may include having recent surgery, an IV, drainage tubes, casts or dressings. Follow the directions of the caregiver.
Safety tips for taking a bath:
- Special equipment for bathing safely can be bought from many drug or medical supply stores.
- Put grab bars on the walls of the tub. Grab bars are strong bars that are fixed firmly to the walls around the tub. These will help you get in and out of the tub. Grab bars can be bought at medical supply or hardware stores.
- To keep from falling in the tub, put a rubber mat or nonskid treads on the bottom of the tub.
- Put a bath mat on the floor beside the bathtub. Do not put a towel on the floor. A towel can move when standing on it and cause a fall.
- Keep a small bell near the tub to ring if you need help.
- Keep the door unlocked to make it easier for someone to offer help if needed.
- Disposable gloves.
- Bath towels and washcloths.
- Bath blanket.
- Soap, powder, lotion and deodorant.
- A chair.
- Clothing, such as underwear, robe, or slippers.
- Bath thermometer, if you have one.
Getting ready for a tub bath:
- Close the window, door and adjust the room temperature to keep the bathroom warm while bathing. Steam from the water will help warm the bathroom.
- Put a towel or light blanket over the closed toilet or the chair. You can sit down while drying after the bath.
- Fill the tub with water. The temperature of the water should not be higher than 105 degrees F (40.5 degrees C) using a bath thermometer. Use your elbow or wrist to feel the water temperature if you do not have a bath thermometer. Do not turn on the hot water while bathing to keep from getting burned.
Helping someone take a tub bath:
- Caregiver should wear gloves to protect themselves from any drainage or body fluids the person may have.
- You may need to help undress the person and carefully help him into the bathtub. Put your hands under his arms or around the waist to help him get into the tub. Support the person as he reaches for the grab bar and gets into the tub.
- Do not turn on the hot water while the person is in the tub. This is to keep him from getting burned. Use soap and a washcloth to wash his body and rinse off the soap with water. Give him privacy to wash the private parts but never leave him alone in the tub.
- Drain the water from the tub and help the person get out. Help him to sit down to dry off. Cover him with the bath blanket if he gets cold. Gently dry between the legs, under the arms, behind the knees, and between the toes. Help him get dressed. Help him with other personal care such as mouth, hair, foot, or nail care.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it can be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care will be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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