The first time you’re doing anything can be scary. The same happens when you’re helping an adult who requires a diaper change. It could be a loved one who experiences incontinence issues or a family member with disabilities. Not sure about how to change an adult diaper? Our guide to adult diaper change will help you level up your diaper changing skills quickly so you won’t feel daunted by this task.
You need to prepare the necessary ingredients before you start cooking a meal. Similarly, you need to have the relevant supplies ready to ensure the diaper changing process goes smoothly. They include:
Keep these items near the bed so you can reach for them easily when you’re helping your loved one change their diaper. In addition, make sure you only use these supplies for the purpose of diaper changing. For instance, the barrier cream should not be shared with other parties.
To maintain good skin health, adult diapers must be changed the moment they are soiled so regular checks are important. Once you’ve mastered the skills, teach other family members so they can help out with the diaper changing when you are away at work or occupied with other activities. Although it might be a one-man job, it will be easier if somebody is available to lend you a helping hand. Practice makes perfect so let’s get familiar with the steps of changing an adult diaper.
You should put on latex gloves or vinyl gloves if you or the person you’re helping has a latex allergy. Gloves give your hands protection against body fluids.
Place your loved one on their back. If the bed can be adjusted, raise the bed to a comfortable level that’s just slightly below your hips.
Unfasten the sides of the soiled diaper and tuck the side furthest away from you under their hip. Placing one hand on the hip and one on the shoulder, roll your loved one gently away from onto their side. Put a towel under his backside to protect the sheets. Clean and wipe your loved one with adult wipes, then remove the diaper. You should be able to pull the diaper out from beneath them if you tucked it deep enough under the hip.
To prevent any mess, roll the dirtied diaper inwards as you are removing it. Throw it into the trash can. Using wipes, clean the front and back of the diaper area. Do not rub or press the skin too hard as their skin may be delicate. If needed, you may have to roll your loved one to their side or back to ensure cleaning is done properly. Throw away the wipes once you’re done. Add barrier cream to protect and moisturize the skin. Remove the gloves you’re wearing and put on a fresh pair.
Remember to check and see if there are signs of bedsores. Detecting them early means your loved one can receive treatment faster.
Once the cleaning is complete, let your loved one air dry for a while. You shouldn’t put a new diaper on him when he is still wet.
Once the skin is dry, it’s time to put on a fresh diaper. Open a new diaper and place the plastic side facing down. Roll your loved one gently back towards you onto the diaper and pull it between his legs. Flatten any wrinkles and attach the tabs which may de adhesives or velcro. The diaper should fit snugly and not too tight or your loved one will feel discomfort. A good gauge is to see if you are able to slide a finger under the top.
Dispose of the gloves in the trash and empty them. Clean your hands thoroughly. Then raise the bed back to the original position and height. Ensure your loved one is positioned properly in bed.
This is optional. You can consider putting disposable bed liners under your loved one to prevent the bed from getting soiled in case of accidents.
Diaper change is more than just about knowing the processes. Finding the right diaper size for your loved one is also crucial to ensure they receive maximum comfort. So, how can you find the correct size of tab-style diapers? We suggest you measure your loved one’s hip and waist size and use the larger number to refer to the size recommendations that come with each product.
If you notice that the tabs sit back against your loved one’s hips, then the diaper is too small. This can cause pinching and discomfort. If the tabs are over your loved one’s belly, then the diaper is too big. This will cause leakage since there are gaps. You may need some trial and error before finding the perfect fit.
The frequency with which you change your loved one's diaper is determined by how often they have bowel movements and the absorbency of the product you're using. Typically, most adult diapers should be changed four to six times a day. Here are some other tips:
Using a barrier cream is an excellent approach to protecting your loved one's skin from the effects of incontinence. Barrier creams provide a waterproof coating over the skin, protecting it from potentially harmful moisture. You should use a barrier cream because:
Need help finding the best adult diapers for your loved one? We’ve got some recommendations.
We’ve shortlisted some adult diapers that are rated the best for overnight usage. They are high in absorbency to help prevent leakage so your loved one can have a peaceful night’s rest without being disrupted. Here’s our list:
Designed for daily use, these adult diapers provide a good grip to give your loved one peace of mind.
The features vary across products. For instance, if your loved one prefers a cloth-backed diaper, make sure to check the packaging to see the materials that are used in the diaper.
CWI Medical carries a wide range of adult diapers from well-known brands such as Tena, Prevail, and ProCare. No matter which kind of diaper you are looking to get, you will be able to find them in our catalog. We are dedicated to delivering the best products for families, caregivers, medical professionals, and medical facilities. Our knowledgeable staff is well-trained to answer any questions you have about our products and can recommend the most suitable adult diaper for your loved one.
