Applying Adult Briefs in the Lying Down Position

Instructional video & list of steps for caregivers applying adult briefs to a patient in the lying down position.
Application Demonstration: How to apply an adult brief in the lying down position.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRuNupusIPc
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Proper cleaning techniques will maintain skin integrity and prevent infections, just as prompt and proper disposal of soiled diapers will keep patient environment clean and odor free.

List of Necessary Items

Sturdy Plastic Basin/Bowl/Bucket to be filled with warm water
Toilet Paper
Soft Wash Cloths/Disposable Wipes (See washcloths and wipes.)
Soft Towel for drying
Mild Soap/Hypoallergenic Body Wash
Protective Cream
Powder/ talc or cornstarch
Incontinent Disposable briefs/pull-ups (See adult diapers and briefs.)
Portable container for ready access to supplies
Lined Trash Can
Plastic Disposable Gloves

Steps for Changing a Bed Bound Patient

Assemble supplies in a portable container
Discuss the process with recipient before and during care
Fill the Basin/Bowl/Bucket with warm water
Bring a Lined Trash Can next to bed for easy access for disposal of soiled paper products
Put on Gloves
If incontinent briefs are being used, remove soiled brief, careful not to drop and contents.
Initially wipe away as much stool or urine as possible with toilet paper or facial tissue and discard into lined trash can.
Wet and wring wash cloth, and apply minimal amount of body wash to first cloth. Be careful not to splash water, especially after it is used.
Wash front genital area first-discard disposable wipe into plastic bag or trash can, (wash cloths should be placed into separate bag or can). This single use method will keep the basin water clean and prevent contamination/infection.
Wet and wring additional wash cloths or disposable cloths- remembering to wipe from front to back until all visible incontinence has been removed and area is clean.
Rinse thoroughly.
Dry area with soft towels.
Apply protective cream to buttocks and groin folds.
Apply powder to dry clean cloth and dust area around waist or between skin folds.
Remove gloves.
Apply incontinent brief/pullup.
Remove liner from trash can and dispose of it.
Follow washing instructions for washcloths and towels.

Reminder

Repositioning may be necessary to complete this cleaning process

Helpful Tips

*If a hospital bed is in use, raise the bed to the caregiver’s waist height to avoid back strain.

*To prevent leakage from incontinent briefs and prevent frequent full linen changes, ensure that a bed pad or disposable paper pad is positioned from under the waist to the mid thigh area

For individuals who change themselves, follow these steps.

Steps for Changing Oneself in the Lying Down Position

Gather all of your supplies. (See list above.)
Lie flat on a bed or in another comfortable area making sure all clothing and other fabric is out of the way.
Undo the tapes of the diaper.
(Keep the dirty diaper beneath you should have an accident.)
Bend your knees putting your feet flat on the surface.
Raise your bottom in the air off the surface on which you are lying.
Begin wiping from front to back. (Put the dirty wipes in trash bag next to you.)
Wipe until clean.
Roll up the dirty diaper and throw it away.
Unfold the clean diaper and put it beneath you with the tabs in the back.
Apply any cream or powder you need.
Pull the front of the diaper up between your legs and fasten the tabs.
You’re done.

Steps for Changing Oneself in the Standing Position

Make sure all clothing is out of the way. (Pull your pants down to your ankles or tuck your dress under your chin.)
Undo the tapes of your diaper and fold it up. (Place in plastic bag.)
Clean yourself carefully over the toilet to catch accidents.
Apply any necessary cream.
Open the clean diaper.
Put tabbed part around your waist in the back and pull the other end through your legs.
Fasten the tabs on one side and then do the same on the other.
Squeeze small amounts of powder down the front and back of the diaper.
Fasten your clothes.
You are done.

Responding to Caregiver Criticism
Getting criticized is unpleasant, especially from family or friends who don’t lift a finger to help care for your older adult! When you get a hurtful comment, take a deep breath and try to stay as calm as possible. Then, try one of these 3 responses. Responding to Caregiver Criticism
If it makes you feel any better, your calmness will only frustrate someone whose goal is to make you angry.
1. Acknowledge their concern, then ask what they’d suggest instead
When someone criticizes how you did something, it’s automatic to snap back defensively. But that’s only going to cause a shouting match that will leave your blood boiling and won’t stop the criticism from happening again.
Next time, acknowledge their concern and ask for their suggestions on how to improve. You might not be interested in their opinion, but because they’re probably expecting a fight, this response will surprise them and change the tone of the conversation.
For example:
Your sister says: Why did you give Mom a cheeseburger and chocolate milkshake for lunch? That’s so unhealthy! Are you trying to give her a heart attack?
You could say: I see why you’re concerned. The truth is, Mom’s appetite has been really bad lately. Her doctor says that anything, even unhealthy foods, are better than not getting enough nutrition. What other kinds of foods would you suggest?
2. Repeat the criticism back to show how it made you feel
Some people don’t think before they speak and don’t realize they’ve hurt your feelings or come across as critical. It’s possible to let them know that what they said was not acceptable without starting a fight. Do this by calmly repeating it back to them, but using an “I” statement.
Example 1
Your brother says: I’m too busy to help out.
You could say: I feel like you don’t value my time and take what I do for granted when you say that you’re too busy to visit or help out with Dad.
Example 2
Your adult child says: Why are you sending Dad to that adult day place? He doesn’t need that and he’s not like those other people! He should be at home with you. You’re always at home anyway.
You could say: It really upsets me when you tell me how I should be doing things without first understanding the real situation with your father.
Example 3
Your aunt says: This kitchen isn’t as clean as she used to keep it! And that living room looks like it hasn’t been dusted in weeks! Do you even try to keep your mom’s house clean?
You could say: It makes me feel unappreciated when you focus on what else needs to be done instead of recognizing all the things that I already do for my mom.
3. Politely stand up for yourself
Some criticism is completely out of line. In these cases, you should absolutely stand up for yourself. The trick is to do it calmly and politely. That way, the person saying those things will be more likely to listen to you and think twice before saying things like that again.
For example:
Your brother says: You’re obviously neglecting mom! You don’t even bathe her every day. She loves to be clean and shower every day.
You could say: I’m not neglecting Mom. Because of her Alzheimer’s, she’s developed a fear of bathing. Her doctor said that we only need to do it twice a week. Her clothes are always clean and she’s healthy, well-fed, and happy. It’s clear that I’m doing a great job caring for her.
Bottom line
Screaming at people who criticize you might feel good in the moment, but it doesn’t help reduce your stress or cut down on future comments. You might even feel worse later because you didn’t get your point across or say what you really wanted to.
The next time someone tries to tell you how you should be caring for your older adult, improve your own health by counting to ten and trying one of these responses.
By DailyCaring.com
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Senior Caregivers