Giving a bed bath

Warm room, warm water, one body area at a time — wash, rinse, dry, and cover before moving on. Clean from cleanest to dirtiest, change water when it cools or gets soapy, and let the client do whatever they can themselves.

1. 1Prepare first: warm room, no drafts, supplies within reach (basin, soap, 2+ washcloths, towels, clean clothes), bed protected with a towel.
2. 2Test water temperature on your inner wrist — comfortably warm, not hot; ask the client too.
3. 3Order: face first (eyes with plain water, inner to outer corner, clean cloth section per eye) → arms → chest/abdomen → legs → back → perineal area last.
4. 4Expose only the part you're washing; keep the rest covered for warmth and dignity.
5. 5Perineal care: always gloves, always front to back for women, clean thoroughly and dry well — this prevents UTIs and skin breakdown.
6. 6Pat dry (don't rub thin skin), check skin everywhere as you go, and report any redness or broken areas.

A bed bath is also your best skin-check of the day — tailbone, heels, hips. Two minutes of looking prevents pressure injuries.