Bathing Without a Battle: Towel Bath

Towel Bath

A bed bath is often a good choice for persons who are frail, non-ambulatory, considerably overweight, experience pain on transfer, or are fearful of lifts. It is possible to wash people adequately in the bed and it is often much less stressful. It is usually done with a basin of water, soap and washcloths, and rinsing off the soap. A variation on this method is the towel bath. Here, a person is covered with a large, warm, moist towel containing a no-rinse soap solution, and is washed and massaged through the towel. Instructions for doing the towel bath are below. You may also want to visit our section on Creative Bathing Techniques for more non-traditional bathing ideas

Equipment:

• 2 or more bath blankets

• 1 large plastic bag containing:
- 1 large (5'6" x 3') light weight towel (fan folded)
- 1 standard bath towel
- 2 or more washcloths

• 2-3 quart plastic pitcher filled with water (approximately 105-110 Fahrenheit), to which you have added:
- 1-1 ½ ounces of no-rinse soap, such as Septa-Soft, manufactured by Calgon-Vestal (use manufacturer's instructions for dilution)

Preparing the person

Explain the bath. Make the room quiet or play soft music. Dim the lights if this calms the person. Assure privacy. Wash hands. If necessary, work one bath blanket under the resident, to protect the linen and provide warmth. Undress the resident, keeping him/her covered with bed linen or the second bath blanket. You may also protect the covering linen by folding it at the end of the bed.

Preparing the bath

Pour the soapy water into the plastic bag, and work the solution into the towels and washcloths until they are uniformly damp but not soggy. If necessary, wring out excess solution through the open end of the bag into the sink. Twist the top of the bag closed to retain heat. Take the plastic bag containing the warm towels and washcloths to the bedside.

Bathing the Resident

Expose the person’s feet and lower legs and immediately cover the area with the warm, moist large towel. Then gently and gradually uncover the resident while simultaneously unfolding the wet towel to recover the resident. Place the covers at the end of the bed. Start washing at whatever part of the body is least distressing to the resident. For example, start at the feet and cleanse the body in an upward direction by massaging gently through the towel. You may wish to place a bath blanket over the towel to hold in the warmth. Wash the backs of the legs by bending the person’s knee and going underneath. Bathe the face, neck, and ears with one of the washcloths. You may also hand a washcloth to the resident and encourage him to wash his own face. Turn the resident to one side and place the smaller, warm towel from the plastic bag on the back, washing in a similar manner, while warming the resident’s front with the bath blanket or warm, moist towel. No rinsing or drying is required. Use a washcloth from the plastic bag to wash the genital and rectal areas. Gloves should be worn when washing these areas.

After the bath

If desired, have the person remain unclothed and covered with the bath blanket and bed linen, dressing at a later time. A dry cotton bath blanket (warmed if possible) placed next to the skin and tucked close provides comfort and warmth. Place used linen back into the plastic bag; tie the bag and place in a hamper.

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