(upbeat music)
[Narrator] Having clean, combed hair
is an important part of feeling comfortable
and can help the person feel more like themselves.
Helping the person wash or style their hair
or helping a man shave.
[Nurse] Morning, Margaret.
[Narrator] Can aid in preserving
the person's sense of identity and dignity.
I'm here to wash your hair.
Oh, exciting day.
[Narrator] Washing a person's hair
when they're no longer able to be out of bed
requires a fair amount of preparation,
but will be very refreshing.
For people with reduced energy or capacity,
there are also special aids available,
such as inflatable shampoo basins
and waterless shampoo caps,
that can make washing hair in bed easier.
These are available in healthcare supply stores.
To wash a patient's hair in bed,
begin by covering the bed with garbage bags
or moisture-proof pads to keep it from getting wet
and place a pail on the floor below
to catch the dirty water.
Gently position the person
so their head is slightly over the edge of the bed.
Bend your knees.
[Narrator] Being sure to explain
and reassure the person about what you're doing.
How's that?
Okay.
Okay, now I'm just gonna put another towel.
So, if you can just lift up here.
There you go.
Okay.
[Narrator] Wet the hair with clean, warm water,
and gently shampoo and massage the person's head.
When shampooing and rinsing hair,
watch for open sores, dry areas, or pressure areas,
particularly on the back of the head and around the ears.
Rinse well using warm water,
collecting the water in the pail on the floor.
Towel off the hair, and comb and style as usual.
When helping a male patient shave,
use an electric razor
to reduce the risk of accidentally cutting the skin.
(upbeat music)