A regular hygiene routine significantly improves comfort, dignity, and recovery for bedridden patients. Maintaining daily hygiene for bedridden patients is essential for preventing infections, pressure sores, odour, and discomfort. In Navi Mumbai’s humid climate and compact home settings, consistent hygiene routines become even more important. This practical, caregiver-friendly checklist is designed for daily use at home.
Hygiene Checklist
1. Body Hygiene
Hand Hygiene
- Wash hands with soap or sanitise hands with a sanitiser before and after touching the bedridden patient.
- Always use disposable gloves while dressing wounds, handling catheters, or during contact with the body fluids of the bedridden patient.
Oral Hygiene
- Clean teeth using a good toothpaste with a soft toothbrush. In case the bedridden patient is tube-fed or if unconscious, gently clean the mouth, tongue, and lips.
- It is advisable to apply lip balm to prevent cracking.
Face Hygiene
- Use lukewarm water and mild soap to clean the face.
- Eyes should be wiped gently from the inner to the outer corner using clean cotton. Use separate cotton for each eye.
Hand and Nail Hygiene
- Keep the bedridden patients’ hands clean and trim their nails weekly. Keeping the nails short prevents scratching injuries.
Hair Hygiene
- Keep hair combed and clean.
2. Bathing Hygiene
Sponge Bath
- Start sponging with the neck, then arms, chest, back, and then legs. A mild pH-balanced soap is advisable for sponging or bed bath.
- Ensure that after sponging, the skin is dried thoroughly, especially the skin folds.
Moisturise dry skin areas
- Apply moisturiser to dry areas of the skin. Your doctor will suggest the right moisturiser.
- Never massage over red or injured skin.
3. Toilet Hygiene
Toileting & Intimate Hygiene
- Change diapers immediately after soiling.
- Clean the genital area front to back.
- Use lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser.
Catheter Hygiene
- Clean catheter entry site daily.
- Ensure urine bag is below bladder level.
- Empty the urine bag regularly and record output if advised.
Bowel Care
- Clean thoroughly after bowel movement.
- Apply barrier cream to prevent rashes.
4. Bedridden Hygiene
Preventing Bed Sores
- Repositioning of the bedridden patient every 2 hours is mandatory to prevent bed sores. Alternate between the back, left side, and right side.
- Check the Pressure points for any redness, damage to the skin or swelling. Regularly inspect heels, hips, lower back, shoulders, elbows, and ankles.
Air Mattress
- Using an air mattress helps in a big way to prevent bed sores.
5. Cloth Hygiene
Clothing & Linen Hygiene
- Change the bedridden patient’s clothes daily.
- Use loose, cotton garments suitable for Mumbai’s weather.
- Change bedsheets regularly or if soiled or damp.
- Bedsheet should be wrinkle-free. This prevents skin injury.
Pillow & Cushion
- Change pillow covers if soiled or damp.
- Prevent direct pressure on bony areas.
6. Environment Hygiene
Room Ventilation
- Open windows or use an exhaust fan for air circulation.
Clean Surroundings
- Disinfect bedside table, rails, and frequently touched surfaces.
Waste Disposal
- Dispose off used diapers, gloves, and dressings safely. Follow local Mumbai or Navi Mumbai municipal waste guidelines.
Closing Thoughts
Embrace the essence of compassionate daily care that restores dignity, wards off infections, and nurtures recovery for bedridden loved ones in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai homes. Let this hygiene routine bring comfort and peace through consistent home nursing with NityaNurse.