Helping someone to wash: Information for carers

Here are some simple steps to support someone who is unwell to use the bath or shower.

Encourage them to do as much as they can for themselves, and let them take their time.

You could also:

  • check the bathroom is warm
  • check the bath or shower water is at a comfortable temperature
  • make sure they have everything they need: towels, clean clothes, toiletries, flannels, shaving supplies, and disposable wipes and pads if they use them
  • put a non-slip mat on the bottom of the bath or shower to help stop them from falling
  • stay within hearing distance in case they need you
Bathing or showering with a syringe driver

If someone has a syringe driver in place ( a small pump that gives medicines directly to them in a tube) they can have a shower or bath. But the syringe driver is not waterproof, so they will need to take care to keep it dry - they could put it in a plastic bag on a stool next to the bath or shower cubicle. Try and keep the clear dressing clean and dry but a nurse can also change it when needed.

Please see also:

Giving someone a bed bath

Moving someone in and out of bed

Recommended Resources

Marie Curie - Helping someone to wash

Published 24th November 2022

Share

Related Services

Overnight/weekend services

24 hour Helpline Pall24 for North Brent and Harrow
Close

24 hour Helpline Pall24 for North Brent and Harrow

T. 03000 200 224

This service was formerly known as Single Point of Access (SPA)

This is a 24 hour 7 days a week helpline providing advice for patients, families and professionals, hosted by St Luke's Hospice for residents of Harrow and North Brent.

Urgent rapid response visits can be made to patients registered with a Harrow GP

 

Hospices

Hospice UK
Close

Hospice UK can help find a hospice, provide infromation and support about end of life care and guidance to plan ahead.

St Luke's Hospice at Home
Close

St Luke's Hospice at Home

T. 0208 382 8020 / 8050

St. Lukes Hospice@Home provides palliative care services to the residents of North Brent and Harrow. Respite and bridging packages of care are available for end of life patients.

Please contact the team between Monday to Saturday 9.00am to 5.00pm.

The email can be used for fast track referrals.

Referral form for clinician use only.

Community Specialist Palliative Care Referral Form V4.2 (DOCX)

Related Articles

18th April 2024

Giving someone a bed bath

26th October 2023

Moving someone in and out of bed

Feedback