My dad is paralyzed on left side and bed ridden. My mom is going back to work. I can't seem to find a video showing me how to change his diaper and bed pad. Please help.
I am a retired RN. And I couldn’t manage changing the adult ‘diaper’ without a comrade to hold the patient safely in place while I did it. Pillows can help. But you’ll have to be a human octopus to do it alone. But anyone or the patient can help you by rolling and hanging on.
Fortunately I have not had to perform this duty for an adult. I only have one suggestion, mainly because this is a male patient. SueC1957's following description brought this to mind: "*Always have a bed protector pad (either disposable or cloth) under patient in case of accidents! I've had patients pee and poop while the dirty diaper was off but the clean one hadn't been applied yet."
When changing my son's diapers, I learned the hard way to place a towel, washcloth or spare diaper (I used cloth diapers) over him so if there was an "accident" before the new diaper was on it would not go everywhere! This would be in addition to having protection underneath. It may not be the same for an adult male, but it certainly cannot hurt!
Roll the diaper like a towel. pull him over to one side and go on the other side of the bed and roll him over onto the diaper. its get better each time you do this process.
Riley, We don't know enough about the situation to make an assumption that Sweetgirl74 is going to be his sole c/g doing this alone for the rest of her life.
Her mother sounds like she has been the main c/g but has to go back to work. There may be other paid c/g's that come into the home and possibly other siblings or family members also. Sweetgirl is kind enough to learn how to do the job. It can be a difficult situation because it's her father.
Maybe this is for a short time until his needs are assessed and they are waiting for placement. Maybe she is just a fill-in for when the regular c/g's are sick or on vacation.
It's not fair to assume that this will be an ongoing problem that Sweetgirl74 will have forever. If he's bedridden from a stroke, then he will at least have his mind. Let's hope he will be able to communicate.
I understand wanting to change the diapers but - ask yourself this - is this something you want to be doing forever until the end comes? I don't think so. Perhaps it is time to remove the patient into a facility and give yourself a break. I don't think this is the life you intended living the rest of your life. And it will only t3
PLEASE, honey, change your name! How 'bout Sweetgirl74? You're an angel 😇 for taking on the responsibility of changing a bedridden patient.
If the skin at the diaper area gets red, (both urine and stool can acid burn the skin), clean well then use A and D ointment or Desitin to protect it. They are both real thick and sticky but they sure do a good job of protecting. Definitely use gloves on your hands when applying or you'll go through a dozen paper towels trying to get it off! 😆 Pull gloves off by hooking the end of the glove at the wrist with a finger from the other hand and pull down. The glove will come off inside out. (Just how you want it!) Do the same with the other glove.
Changing sheets really isn't too hard. Undo the old fitted sheet from all corners. Have your dad roll on one side. You can prop him with pillows against his tummy to keep him from falling face down. Push the old sheet inward, toward his back. Put clean fitted sheet on top and bottom of the side of mattress you're on. Roll the rest of the sheet "backwards" toward you (like a roll). Put it UNDER the old sheet. Also, at this time, put the bedpads or disposable Chux (brand name) on top of the new sheet. Try to push the new sheet and pad as far under your dad as possible by pushing into the center of the mattress.
Now, you need to roll your dad to the opposite side. He will have to roll over the "hump" of old and new sheets. Place pillows for stability. Go to the other side and pull dirty sheet out. Put it on floor for now. The new sheet and pad will come along with it. Attach fitted part of new sheet to top and bottom of mattress. Straighten out everything. Wrinkles are uncomfortable and cause pressure spots that can lead to pressure sores (decubitus ulcers). Turn dad every 2-3 hours if he can't turn himself. Left side then back then right side then back.
Believe it or not, this will all work out. You'll get your groove on and be a pro in no time.
My husband is close to 350 lbs. and I have to change him by myself. He is able to roll partway to the left, so we do that side first. I strip the sheets and use “flat hands” to push them under him so I can take them off when I roll him onto his right side. I bathe him then as well and wipe down the mattress with disinfectant wipes. I also change the sheets, half the bed at a time. Your efforts don’t have to be by-the-book perfect, as long as he is comfortable.
Wash and dry your hands thoroughly and put on a pair of disposable medical gloves. If the patient's bed is adjustable, raise the entire bed to a comfortable height (usually slightly lower than your hips). Lower the head of the bed as far down to horizontal as he can tolerate. With the patient resting on his or her back, unfasten the straps, Velcro, or adhesive tape of the adult diaper and then tuck the side farthest from you under the person's hip. With one hand on the patient's hip and the other on his shoulder, roll him away from you onto his side. You might find this easier with the help of another able-bodied person, who can then hold the patient on his side while you work.
If you tucked the diaper far enough under his hip, you should now be able to pull the adult diaper toward you and out from under him. Roll the used diaper inward as you remove it to contain any mess. Place the soiled adult diaper into a plastic grocery bag for disposal (but do not seal the bag yet). Using pre-moistened wipes, or skin cleanser and disposable cloths, clean the person's diaper area, front and back, as thoroughly as possible. Avoid pressing or rubbing the skin too hard. You might need to roll the patient onto his back or other side to thoroughly clean areas you cannot reach. Place used wipes or cloths in the plastic grocery bag.
With the person still on his side, check the skin for pressure sores, which are also known as bedsores or pressure ulcers. It is important to check the skin daily for any early signs that a pressure sore has begun. Apply barrier cream to the patient's perineum to moisturize and protect the skin. After allowing the patient's skin to thoroughly dry, roll up one side of the new adult diaper and tuck it under his side. Flatten and position the rest of the diaper on the bed. Roll the person back toward you onto the diaper and then pull out the rolled-up side of the diaper. Remove any wrinkles and fasten the adult diaper as directed by the manufacturer. Again, this process is easier with two people. Remove your disposable medical gloves and place them in the plastic grocery bag before tying it closed. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly. If the patient's bed is adjustable, return it to the desired height and raise the head of the bed to the desired level. Cover the person with a clean sheet or blanket(s) if desired. Finally, make sure you understand how to properly position a bed-bound patient. This can help prevent the development of bedsores and keep your loved one more comfortable.
Agree SueC has a great description. A couple of things I would add would be to watch your body position and use good body mechanics. It is important you protect your back. Remember to raise the bed (if able), if you do not have a bed that can be raised/lowered talk to your insurance group or county worker; use leg muscles not back muscles to do the big moving. When turning your dad, place your hands to support his hip and shoulder. Remember you are important to your dad and need to care for yourself as well as for him.
I have only 1 thing to add to SueC1957 video.. While the person is on their back, pick the leg up closest to you and bend the knee completely. All you have to do to turn the person then is push from the back, and on that knee,. the person will roll with no problem. Dido on the other side. Be sure to flatten leg out before rolling from the opposite direction.
well my mom has problems some time & she has a catheter & so i discovered that with her problem as far as mess goes when she has bowel movement it sometimes runny & trying to deal with the catheter i found the best way to get it off with out getting the catheter messed up i take a scissors to them & she is sitting on a toliet at the time & i cut the front of the depends offf but leave the back alone i cut both sides front only then it gets done a lot faster too but i do not know about the diaper thing but that might help you to
I change my mother’s diaper & she has bad painful left side, so I turn her on her right side. Using chucks underneath helps a lot. If you put on double diaper before bedtime then all you have to do is take off soiled one, push it down & through when you turn the patient..Hope this helps
SueC1957 has a great description. Since I have seen this procedure done to my wife many times I can see it as I read it. She had right side paralysis. SueC great answer.
Changing the diaper by one person is a work of art (not a science.) In other words you need to figure out, what works for you and the patient. I would have multiple ( washable) bed pads under the patient. The bottom pad should be the biggest/longest one; so you pull the patient up/down or sideways by pulling the top/bottom or one side of the pad. If the patient can still stand and use one arm, look into getting an invacare get up lift. I hope you have a fully functional hospital bed.
Practice makes perfect. Take your time and think it out. You will be surprised at how good you will get at changing diapers. We sometimes just do not have a choice. Action speaks louder than words. Stay positive. Stay focused. It gets easier.
Slide sheets are *magic*! You wouldn't believe how much easier they make it to move a person without risking shearing injuries to him or strain on yourself.
For me, the best way to learn is to watch. Can you ask or hire a visiting nurse to show you what to do?
And has anyone mentioned hoists to you? It is possible to change a bed without getting the person out of it but boy! it is hard going, especially for one person.
Tab briefs, NOT the pull ons. I would roll my Mom to the left, roll the used pads up toward and against her, put the fresh one down and roll that toward her, then roll her to the right onto the clean ones and pull the dirty ones out, then smoothing the new ones in place. The videos should help. The key is to roll the patient. This works with slide sheets as well if you need to move the patient up in bed if they slide downward. My Mom was able to grab the side bedrails, but you can bolster the patient with a pillow if necessary to keep them on their side.
There are bed wedges which can help hold him: amazon.com/dp/B005KPOFSI/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdo_t1_nJItAbZHMVDD3
On the side which is not paralyzed, he might be able to help hold position by grabbing a bed rail/bar once he is on his side. You can get various bars for normal beds, like this: amazon.com/dp/B005JIJRZ2/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdo_t1_BzItAbJXEKVH9
Finally, place a pillow between his knees when you turn him, which is more comfortable.
You are NOT stupid, honey. Just on a learning curve. It will improve with time bettymills.com is the cheapest way to buy briefs with tabs (FitRight is the best in my opinion) that I've come across. Buy in bulk, extra discount, free shipping.
Roll him on his side, and sure, if he doesn't stay there use a pillow.
Meallen; I'm a nurse and I had a heck of a time explaining this. Haha. 🤔 A video of "how to" from YouTube. youtube.com/watch?v=NMlw5dBk9LE
Don't get the pull on type diaper for a bedridden patient. Get the ones with tape tabs. WalMart is probably the cheapest. *Always have a bed protector pad (either disposable or cloth) under patient in case of accidents! I've had patients pee and poop while the dirty diaper was off but the clean one hadn't been applied yet. 😱 *Put on gloves and get cleaning wipes and bag. *Undo tapes on both sides of old diaper. (Taking tapes off will often tear the plastic part of the diaper. It's ok, you're going to throw it away anyway.) There is a line indicator on the outside of the diaper that turns blue if the diaper is wet. *Pull down and clean patient. Remove diaper, roll up with wipes and put in plastic bag. *Roll person onto their side (if you're right handed, roll them onto left side.) *Position clean diaper from front at abdomen, lift right leg up slightly, pull diaper through then push wing with tab down toward bed at left hip. *bring diaper around and to the back. (If cleaning a woman, ALWAYS wipe down from the pubic area. Don't bring stool up near the vaginal (lips) area. It can cause a bladder infection.) *Apply right tapes from "wing" to the front of the diaper, roll person to back and a bit to the right to catch the other side of the left "wing" area with tab. Apply tapes to left side. *Remove gloves, wash hands.
I'm sure the movie explains it better than I did. Don't be surprised if the first few come out "lopsided" or crooked. Congratulations; You have just completed Nursing 101! It takes a bit of practice.
youtube.com/watch?v=NMlw5dBk9LE This might help. And this, for the bedpad. youtube.com/watch?v=s1NiJOmyaLI What isn't made clear is that you need to roll the patient before you begin so that you have the dirty bedding rolled up to their back, and then again, so you can put the clean bedding against their back on the other side. Your father may be able to help by pulling and pushing with his right arm. I have done this alone for my daughter when she was a hefty teen, and, with my mother, for my father. Any nurses here could give you a better description.
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"*Always have a bed protector pad (either disposable or cloth) under patient in case of accidents! I've had patients pee and poop while the dirty diaper was off but the clean one hadn't been applied yet."
When changing my son's diapers, I learned the hard way to place a towel, washcloth or spare diaper (I used cloth diapers) over him so if there was an "accident" before the new diaper was on it would not go everywhere! This would be in addition to having protection underneath. It may not be the same for an adult male, but it certainly cannot hurt!
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We don't know enough about the situation to make an assumption that Sweetgirl74 is going to be his sole c/g doing this alone for the rest of her life.
Her mother sounds like she has been the main c/g but has to go back to work. There may be other paid c/g's that come into the home and possibly other siblings or family members also. Sweetgirl is kind enough to learn how to do the job. It can be a difficult situation because it's her father.
Maybe this is for a short time until his needs are assessed and they are waiting for placement. Maybe she is just a fill-in for when the regular c/g's are sick or on vacation.
It's not fair to assume that this will be an ongoing problem that Sweetgirl74 will have forever.
If he's bedridden from a stroke, then he will at least have his mind. Let's hope he will be able to communicate.
You're an angel 😇 for taking on the responsibility of changing a bedridden patient.
If the skin at the diaper area gets red, (both urine and stool can acid burn the skin), clean well then use A and D ointment or Desitin to protect it. They are both real thick and sticky but they sure do a good job of protecting. Definitely use gloves on your hands when applying or you'll go through a dozen paper towels trying to get it off! 😆
Pull gloves off by hooking the end of the glove at the wrist with a finger from the other hand and pull down. The glove will come off inside out. (Just how you want it!) Do the same with the other glove.
Changing sheets really isn't too hard. Undo the old fitted sheet from all corners. Have your dad roll on one side. You can prop him with pillows against his tummy to keep him from falling face down.
Push the old sheet inward, toward his back. Put clean fitted sheet on top and bottom of the side of mattress you're on. Roll the rest of the sheet "backwards" toward you (like a roll). Put it UNDER the old sheet. Also, at this time, put the bedpads or disposable Chux (brand name) on top of the new sheet.
Try to push the new sheet and pad as far under your dad as possible by pushing into the center of the mattress.
Now, you need to roll your dad to the opposite side. He will have to roll over the "hump" of old and new sheets. Place pillows for stability. Go to the other side and pull dirty sheet out. Put it on floor for now. The new sheet and pad will come along with it. Attach fitted part of new sheet to top and bottom of mattress. Straighten out everything. Wrinkles are uncomfortable and cause pressure spots that can lead to pressure sores (decubitus ulcers). Turn dad every 2-3 hours if he can't turn himself. Left side then back then right side then back.
Believe it or not, this will all work out. You'll get your groove on and be a pro in no time.
Take care "Sweetgirl74" and good luck.
Wash and dry your hands thoroughly and put on a pair of disposable medical gloves.
If the patient's bed is adjustable, raise the entire bed to a comfortable height (usually slightly lower than your hips). Lower the head of the bed as far down to horizontal as he can tolerate.
With the patient resting on his or her back, unfasten the straps, Velcro, or adhesive tape of the adult diaper and then tuck the side farthest from you under the person's hip.
With one hand on the patient's hip and the other on his shoulder, roll him away from you onto his side. You might find this easier with the help of another able-bodied person, who can then hold the patient on his side while you work.
If you tucked the diaper far enough under his hip, you should now be able to pull the adult diaper toward you and out from under him. Roll the used diaper inward as you remove it to contain any mess.
Place the soiled adult diaper into a plastic grocery bag for disposal (but do not seal the bag yet).
Using pre-moistened wipes, or skin cleanser and disposable cloths, clean the person's diaper area, front and back, as thoroughly as possible. Avoid pressing or rubbing the skin too hard. You might need to roll the patient onto his back or other side to thoroughly clean areas you cannot reach. Place used wipes or cloths in the plastic grocery bag.
With the person still on his side, check the skin for pressure sores, which are also known as bedsores or pressure ulcers. It is important to check the skin daily for any early signs that a pressure sore has begun.
Apply barrier cream to the patient's perineum to moisturize and protect the skin.
After allowing the patient's skin to thoroughly dry, roll up one side of the new adult diaper and tuck it under his side. Flatten and position the rest of the diaper on the bed.
Roll the person back toward you onto the diaper and then pull out the rolled-up side of the diaper. Remove any wrinkles and fasten the adult diaper as directed by the manufacturer. Again, this process is easier with two people.
Remove your disposable medical gloves and place them in the plastic grocery bag before tying it closed.
Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
If the patient's bed is adjustable, return it to the desired height and raise the head of the bed to the desired level. Cover the person with a clean sheet or blanket(s) if desired.
Finally, make sure you understand how to properly position a bed-bound patient. This can help prevent the development of bedsores and keep your loved one more comfortable.
For me, the best way to learn is to watch. Can you ask or hire a visiting nurse to show you what to do?
And has anyone mentioned hoists to you? It is possible to change a bed without getting the person out of it but boy! it is hard going, especially for one person.
amazon.com/dp/B005KPOFSI/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdo_t1_nJItAbZHMVDD3
On the side which is not paralyzed, he might be able to help hold position by grabbing a bed rail/bar once he is on his side. You can get various bars for normal beds, like this:
amazon.com/dp/B005JIJRZ2/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdo_t1_BzItAbJXEKVH9
Finally, place a pillow between his knees when you turn him, which is more comfortable.
Buy in bulk, extra discount, free shipping.
Roll him on his side, and sure, if he doesn't stay there use a pillow.
Haha. 🤔
A video of "how to" from YouTube.
youtube.com/watch?v=NMlw5dBk9LE
Don't get the pull on type diaper for a bedridden patient. Get the ones with tape tabs. WalMart is probably the cheapest.
*Always have a bed protector pad (either disposable or cloth) under patient in case of accidents! I've had patients pee and poop while the dirty diaper was off but the clean one hadn't been applied yet. 😱
*Put on gloves and get cleaning wipes and bag.
*Undo tapes on both sides of old diaper. (Taking tapes off will often tear the plastic part of the diaper. It's ok, you're going to throw it away anyway.)
There is a line indicator on the outside of the diaper that turns blue if the diaper is wet.
*Pull down and clean patient. Remove diaper, roll up with wipes and put in plastic bag.
*Roll person onto their side (if you're right handed, roll them onto left side.)
*Position clean diaper from front at abdomen, lift right leg up slightly, pull diaper through then push wing with tab down toward bed at left hip.
*bring diaper around and to the back.
(If cleaning a woman, ALWAYS wipe down from the pubic area. Don't bring stool up near the vaginal (lips) area. It can cause a bladder infection.)
*Apply right tapes from "wing" to the front of the diaper, roll person to back and a bit to the right to catch the other side of the left "wing" area with tab. Apply tapes to left side.
*Remove gloves, wash hands.
I'm sure the movie explains it better than I did.
Don't be surprised if the first few come out "lopsided" or crooked.
Congratulations;
You have just completed Nursing 101!
It takes a bit of practice.
What isn't made clear is that you need to roll the patient before you begin so that you have the dirty bedding rolled up to their back, and then again, so you can put the clean bedding against their back on the other side. Your father may be able to help by pulling and pushing with his right arm. I have done this alone for my daughter when she was a hefty teen, and, with my mother, for my father. Any nurses here could give you a better description.