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How to Help Someone Use A Bedpan or a Urinal

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 3, 2024.

What are bedpans and urinals?

Bedpans and urinals are devices that allow people to have a bowel movement or urinate while they are in bed. A man uses a bedpan for a bowel movement but may prefer a urinal when he urinates. Women usually use a bedpan for bowel movements and urinating.

Why does a person need to use a bedpan or urinal?

A person may need to use a bedpan or urinal because he or she cannot walk to the bathroom. The person may have an illness, injury, or surgery that makes him or her not able to walk. A person should regularly urinate and have bowel movements to help prevent other health problems from occurring. There may be only a small amount of time between the urge to urinate and urination. The caregiver must be quick to respond to the toileting needs of the person in bed.

What kinds of bedpans and urinals are there?

There are several different kinds of bedpans and urinals available. Some are metal and others are hard plastic. There are bedpans for people who cannot raise their hips. This may include people in body casts or with hip fractures. Some urinals are made for men and others are made for women. Some urinals are reusable and others are thrown away after each use. You can buy bedpans and urinals at medical supply and drug stores. You may also be able to take home the bedpans and urinals from the hospital.

How do I get ready to help a person use a bedpan?

How do I help a person who can raise his or her buttocks to use a bedpan?

How do I help a person who cannot raise his or her buttocks to use a bedpan?

How do I clean the person after he or she uses the bedpan?

How do I help a person use a urinal?

What other cleaning needs to be done?

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Further information

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