Knowing how to wash a bedridden person's hair decreases the caregiver's job, facilitates the task and increases the patient's comfort and well-being.
To do this technique, only one person is needed, but ideally there is another person who can hold the patient's neck during washing, to facilitate the procedure and make the patient more comfortable.
The number of washes per week should, ideally, be equal to the number of times that the person washed their hair before being bedridden, at least once a week.
Material needed to wash hair
Bedding material for bedridden hair should be prepared before starting and includes:
- 1 towel; Shampoo suitable for the patient's hair; 1 basin with warm water; 1 cup or cup; 1 plastic bag (optional); 1 soft bristle brush or comb.
The plastic bag can be exchanged for a low container, such as a basin, or an inflatable hair washer, by Angel Medical, for example, which can be purchased at a medical and hospital equipment store for an average price of 200 reais.
7 steps to wash bedridden hair
To wash the hair the bedridden person easily and with little effort:
1. Drag the patient, lying on his back, towards the foot of the bed.
2. Remove the head pillow and place it under the patient's back, so that the head is tilted slightly back.
3. Place a plastic sheet under the patient's head to avoid wetting the mattress, and then place a towel over it.
4. Place the low container or plastic bag under the patient's head.
5. Slowly pour water over the patient's hair with the help of a glass or cup. In this step it is important to use as little water as possible to avoid wetting the mattress, especially when using the bag.
6. Shampoo your hair, massaging your scalp with your fingertips.
7. Rinse the hair to remove the shampoo, remove the bag or container under the head and, with the towel, remove the excess water.
Since washing your hair can wet the bed sheets, a good tip is to wash your hair at the same time you give the patient a bath, avoiding changing the sheets more often than necessary. Learn how to bathe in: How to bathe in bedridden person.
Care after washing the bedridden hair
After washing your hair, blow-dry it to prevent it from becoming damp. In addition, it is important to comb it to avoid being embarrassed, preferably using a soft bristle brush to avoid hurting the patient.
