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

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24 hour Advice Line Michael Sobell Hospice

T. 0203 824 1268

Offers support and advice on palliative care issues to GPs, Care Homes, District Nurses and hospital doctors.

It is also an Advice Line for patients and families who live in Hillingdon and need advice on any aspect of palliative care. 

The Advice Line is answered by hospice nurses in the Inpatient Unit and queries are escalated to the on-call palliative medical team if needed.

Harlington Hospice
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Harlington Hospice

T. 020 8759 0453

W. https://www.harlingtonhospice.org/

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The Hospice hosts a Wellbeing Service (shared with Michael Sobell Hospice), complementary therapies, counselling, lymphoedema service and the CABS team supporting children and adolescents.

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Referral form for clinician use only.

Community Specialist Palliative Care Referral Form V4.2 (DOCX)
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Hospice UK can help find a hospice, provide infromation and support about end of life care and guidance to plan ahead.

Michael Sobell Hospice Inpatient Unit (MSH)
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Michael Sobell Hospice Inpatient Unit (MSH)

T. 020 8106 9201

W. https://www.harlingtonhospice.org/michael-sobell-house/

The Michael Sobell Hospice provides a range of palliative services for people with advancing illness.

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Many people have a short admission and get back home agian.

The Hospice hosts the 24 hour Hillingdon advice line  on 020 3824 1268

The Hospice is part of Harlington Hospice, and shares the Wellbeing Service with the Harlington team, and hosts the Harlington Hospice@Home team

Please use the referral form below.

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

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Wellbeing Hub
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The Wellbeing Hub is an online tool and resource hub developed to empower Hillingdon residents’ and improve overall feelings of wellbeing. 

It provides modern, hospice wellbeing information alongside other types of wellbeing support. The wellbeing hub empowers people to enhance feelings of wellbeing in a holistic way. The online tool provides support with information to better support each person's own, unique wellbeing journey, by encouraging the setting of personal goals and accomplish tasks that align with individual wellbeing aspirations. Goals such as completing tasks (by creating and sharing a bucket list) and documenting wishes such as an advance care plan can take place.

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