instructions
hints and tips
how to use
your pobroll®
If you are reading this, being a carer and providing intimate care for someone may be a new experience for you. This can seem very daunting at first, but with the pobroll® to hand, you will soon be able to meet this challenge with confidence.
These instructions will guide you through how to use the pobroll®, making the bed bathing experience as stress-free and kind as possible for the person you are looking after while making it much easier for you.
The pobroll® will make a real difference to you and the person you are caring for, whether you are a trained health professional or caring for a loved one and have no prior experience carrying out care at home.
We understand that everyone learns in a different way and may have different levels of experience as a carer. Considering this, we offer a comprehensive range of resources to guide you through the process of a pobroll® bed bath. Our offerings include informative video guides, interactive step-by-step instructions, and a downloadable instruction manual.
This page includes some helpful hints that will assist you as you get to know your pobroll®.
Rest assured, we are fully committed to providing you with all the necessary tools and resources to ensure a seamless pobroll® experience.
don’t rush, take your time
involved
getting
While the pobroll makes bed bathing another person easier due to its design, it is also well suited to enabling self-care.
Enabling a person to participate in their own care during a pobroll® bed bath can promote their
independence, autonomy, and self-esteem.
It's important to assess the person's ability and willingness to participate and to provide them with the necessary
support and assistance.
This may involve offering them choices, encouraging them to wash themselves at their own pace, and providing clear and simple instructions.
It's also important to respect the person's privacy and dignity throughout the process and to involve them in decision-making about their care whenever possible.
By enabling a person to participate in their own care, we can help promote their overall
well-being and quality of life
it’ll be easier than you think!
being
prepared
Before beginning a bed bath, it is important to
gather all necessary materials.
It's a good idea to have everything within reach before starting the bed bath to ensure that the person being bathed remains comfortable and safe.
Additionally, make sure to check the temperature of the water to ensure it's not too hot or too cold.
By preparing your materials ahead of time, you can help make the bed bath a smooth and relaxing experience for everyone involved.
you may need
other materials
Your pobroll®
Flannels, washcloths or sponges
An additional towel
Two bowls of water
(one for soapy water, one without soap for rinsing)
Appropriate soap or body wash
Appropriate body lotion /
skin-cream / deodorant
A table or stand
to place the materials on next to the bed
A pillow or cushion
The pobroll® is designed to make bed bathing a more comfortable and dignified experience, but for some individuals with complex needs, such as those with dementia, additional assistance such as a second carer may be beneficial.
hand
a helping
People with dementia are at a higher risk of falls and injuries due to their impaired cognitive and physical abilities. Having a second carer assist with the bed bath can help prevent accidents and ensure the safety of the person being washed.
Bathing a person with dementia can be a stressful experience for both the individual and their primary carer. Having a second carer can help alleviate some of the stress and pressure on the primary carer, allowing them to focus on providing the best possible care.
Where the person is unsettled or doesn’t understand what is happening, it may help to have a second carer sit next to them, offering reassurance and talking them through the washing process.
Including a second carer when bed-bathing someone who is confused or resistant to the washing process can improve safety, comfort, and efficiency and can reduce stress for both the patient and the primary carer.
Many people feel uncomfortable being exposed, even to their carers, and closing the curtains and door can help to create a more private and secure environment while maintaining the privacy and dignity of the person being bathed.
closing the door and curtains
Although the pobroll is designed for the person to be washed while inside the two warm layers, parts of the person being bathed are going to be exposed at points during the bed bath. Having the curtains and door closed can help to retain heat and create a warm and comfortable environment.
This is particularly important if the person being bathed is elderly or has mobility issues, as they may be more susceptible to feeling cold. It's important to take into account individual preferences and any medical conditions that may affect temperature regulation.
As always, it's important to communicate with the person being bathed and take their needs and preferences into consideration throughout the process.
comfort
&
dignity
A pobroll® bed bath also provides an opportunity for you to observe the person's general wellbeing and note any changes or concerns that may need medical attention.
In particular, a pobroll® bed bath is a good time to check for reddening of the skin that may indicate that a pressure sore (bed sore) is developing. Pressure points such as the buttocks, spine, elbows, and hips are likely areas where bed sores occur.
With the pobroll®, carers can provide a gentle and relaxing bed bath experience, washing one body part at a time while the rest of the person stays comfortably covered and warm inside the two layers.
This process allows for more flexibility and control during the bed bath, as carers can take their time with each body part, ensuring thorough washing and drying without rushing onto the next.
By maintaining the person's privacy and dignity throughout the bed bath, the pobroll® can help reduce feelings of stress or discomfort that may arise during the washing process.
Additionally, the pobroll's unique design ensures that the person remains warm and cosy inside the towel, which can be particularly beneficial for those who are sensitive to temperature changes or have limited mobility.
at a time
one step
support
a little
Alignment By keeping the knees apart with a pillow, the legs can be properly aligned, which can help to prevent discomfort and pain.
Placing a pillow between the knees during bed bathing can provide several benefits, including increased comfort, stability, proper alignment of the legs, pressure relief, and easier access to wash the intimate areas.
Comfort A pillow can help cushion and support the knees, making the person more comfortable during the bed bath.
Stability Placing a pillow between the knees can also help to keep the legs in a stable position, which can be especially important for people who have difficulty with mobility or balance.
Pressure relief For people who are bedridden or have limited mobility, pressure ulcers (also known as bedsores) can be a concern. Placing a pillow between the knees can help relieve pressure on the bony prominences of the legs and reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers.
Access By placing a pillow between the knees, you create a separation that allows for improved access and ease while washing the person's intimate area.
Overall, placing a pillow between the knees during bed bathing can help make the experience more comfortable and safe for the person receiving care.
Staff at Mountford House Nursing Home TRURO - ENGLAND
With the pobroll®, carers can provide a gentle and relaxing bed bath experience, washing one body part at a time while the rest of the person stays comfortably covered and warm inside the two layers.
This process allows for more flexibility and control during the bed bath, as carers can take their time with each body part, ensuring thorough washing and drying without rushing onto the next.
By maintaining the person's privacy and dignity throughout the bed bath, the pobroll® can help reduce feelings of stress or discomfort that may arise during the washing process.
Additionally, the pobroll®'s unique design ensures that the person remains warm and cosy inside the towel, which can be particularly beneficial for those who are sensitive to temperature changes or have limited mobility.