How to Change an Adult Disposable Diaper on a Patient in Bed

If you are the caregiver for an adult who is experiencing incontinence and is bed bound you may be unsure as to how to go about changing their adult diaper. This can be a difficult experience for the caregiver and the patient. It is crucial however, that adult diapers are changed on a regular basis so that the patient does not develop bed sores and infections that can for some people be life threatening. There are tips that will help you to complete the task in the most efficient and caring way possible while still maintaining the dignity of the patient who is in bed. Here is what you need to know about how to change an adult disposable diaper on a patient in bed-

• Have everything on hand that you need-It is important that you gather all of the needed incontinence supplies before you start changing the adult diaper. You want to avoid having to leave the patient in order to get something. It can be helpful if there is a location right next to the bed where all of the needed incontinence supplies can be stored. You will need to have: the right size of adult diapers,( it is important to also remember that there are incontinence products for men and incontinence products for women), an incontinence bed pad that fits under the adult diaper, wipes that are specially made to deal with incontinence, fresh linens for the bed if you need them, moisturizing cream, gloves, and a garbage bag.
• Learn the process-There is a process that can make changing an adult diaper a lot easier and more efficient. The process is as follows:

1. Put on the latex gloves. When you do this it protects both the caregiver and the patient. Many bed bound patients who are needing incontinence care have fragile health that needs to be protected.
2. Unfasten the adult diaper tabs. Remember, that it is almost impossible to change a pull up incontinence undergarment on a patient that is bed bound. It is important that to use an adult diaper since it makes the changing process easier for both the patient and the caregiver.
3. Roll up the hospital gown that the patient is wearing. The next step is to gently roll the patient away from you onto their side. Keep in mind that you should only move the patient by their hips as moving them by pulling on their shoulders, arms, or other places could cause serious injury. You can then place an incontinence bed pad to help protect the bed linens while you clean the patient.
4. Clean the area that is soiled until the patient is totally clean. Make sure that your garbage bag is right next to you so you can throw the wipes directly into the bag. This is the best way to keep the changing area as clean as possible.
5. If you need to put on the moisturizing cream. You can place the adult diaper for the patient to roll back onto. You want to make sure that you flatten out the incontinence bed pad and the adult diaper. It should be smooth over the patient’s skin. Keep in mind that if there are any wrinkles in the incontinence bed pad or the adult diaper, it can cause bed sores to develop. You can then refasten the tabs on the adult diaper and settle the patient back into bed.