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(piano music)

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[Narrator] When someone
is confined to bed,

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help with personal hygiene

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can provide physical
and emotional comfort.

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It's also a good time to talk

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to the person you're caring for.

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When bathing a person,

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it's important to consider the timing.

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Bathing can sometimes be tiring

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for the person who has little energy.

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So, timing the bath to
allow for rest afterward

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can help ensure they're still able

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to participate in activities
that they find meaningful.

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If the person experiences
discomfort or pain with movement,

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administering pain
medication prior to the bath

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can help them to be more comfortable.

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Check with your healthcare
provider about what kind

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and how much medication should be given.

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Gather the supplies you'll need

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so they're close at hand during the bath.

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These may include a clean
nightgown or clothing,

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a wash basin filled with warm water,

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a mild soap that's gentle to the skin,

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face cloths and towels,

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and lotion that's non-alcohol-based.

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It's important to wash your hands

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before and after providing care.

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Raise the level of the bed if possible.

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This will help reduce the
amount of strain on your back

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when giving the bath.

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If the bed has side rails,

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lower the side rail closest to you,

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but leave the rail on the
opposite side up for safety

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and for the person to hold
onto as able when turning.

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To ensure privacy and
help the person stay warm,

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make sure they're covered with
a blanket during the bath.

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Try to expose only the part of the body

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you're actually washing,

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and recover that area after
it's been washed and dried.

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Dip the washcloth into the basin

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and squeeze out any excess water.

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Fold the washcloth so it fits
comfortably in your hand.

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Begin with the face.

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Now, maintaining as much
independence as possible

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is important for a patient's dignity.

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So, if they're able, let the
patient wash their own face,

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showing them how to use a
different part of the washcloth

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to wipe over each eye.

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Next, wash the upper
body, hands, and arms.

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Be sure to dry the areas well

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before recovering the
person with a blanket.

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You may have to change
the water several times

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to make sure it stays clean and warm

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throughout the bath.

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After you've washed their legs and feet,

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help the person roll onto their side

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so you can wash their back.

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Pull yourself right over.

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[Narrator] Use a towel
to protect the bed linen

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As you wash, inspect the skin
for any signs of irritation,

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pressure sores, or skin breakdown.

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If changes are noted in the skin,

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it's important to share this
with your healthcare provider.

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Wash the person's genital area last

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while they're in this position,

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making sure to wipe from front to back.

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You can apply lotion to the back

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or any parts of the body that feel dry.

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It's important to avoid
alcohol-based lotions,

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as these can dry the skin.

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Change soiled or wet sheets
after the bath is completed.

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Help the person put on
clean pajamas or nightgown,

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then lower the bed to
its original position

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if it was raised prior
to starting the bath.

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And finally, wash your hands.

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Note that as illness progresses,

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this procedure may require
two people to complete.

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(piano music)