Caring for a bedbound person: daily routine, bed baths, eating and dignity

Caring for a relative who is bedbound is made up of many small, connected tasks that run through the whole day. A regular routine improves the comfort and safety of the person being cared for and makes the carer’s workload predictable. This guide covers the basic steps you can carry out at home; for medical procedures (catheters, wound care, feeding tubes and so on), get training from the healthcare team.

A sample daily routine

• Morning: mouth care, washing the face and hands, intimate care, a skin check, sitting upright for breakfast.
• During the day: regular changes of position, offering drinks, medicines, short exercises or time sitting up.
• Afternoon: a bed bath (a full bath every day is not essential; plan it around the person’s preferences and skin condition).
• Evening: mouth care, removing and cleaning dentures, intimate care, the night-time position.
• At the end of each shift: a short note on what they ate and drank, toileting, skin and mood.

A bed bath, step by step

• Warm the room and close the door; gather everything beforehand (two bowls, towels, clean clothes, bed linen).
• Explain what you are going to do and let them do as much as they can themselves.
• Uncover only the area you are washing and keep the rest covered with a towel.
• Start at the face and work downwards; clean the genital area and buttocks last, with a separate cloth.
• Dry the skin thoroughly without rubbing, especially in skin folds.
• During the bath, check the back, buttocks and heels for redness.

Skin, positioning and pressure ulcers

Pressure ulcers are one of the biggest risks for people who are bedbound. Change their position as often as the healthcare team advises, raise the heels with a pillow and clean damp skin without delay. Talk to the doctor or nurse about whether a pressure-relieving mattress is needed. For more detail, see our pressure ulcer guide.

Eating and drinking

When giving food and drinks, sit the person as upright as possible and keep them upright for a while after eating. If they cough or choke while eating, ask for a swallowing assessment. Weight loss, poor appetite or low fluid intake raise the risk of pressure ulcers and infection; record daily intake.

Toileting and continence

If possible, use a bedpan or bedside commode; being able to use the toilet when they choose protects the person’s dignity. If pads are used, change them as soon as they are wet. A change in the colour or smell of urine, a fever or sudden restlessness can be signs of infection.

Movement and mental stimulation

The joint movements the physiotherapist recommends reduce muscle shortening and stiffness. Opening the curtains during the day, conversation, the radio, favourite music, family photos and, where possible, eating while sitting up in bed give the day a structure. Be there not only for care tasks but also simply to spend time together.

Equipment and support

In Türkiye, ask your family doctor and the hospital about a hospital bed, an air mattress, a wheelchair and continence pads; some items can be partly covered with a medical report (SGK). The Ministry of Health’s home health services (evde sağlık) can carry out examinations and some procedures at home for people who cannot leave the house; ask your family doctor how to apply. Elsewhere, ask your GP or local health service about equipment and community nursing support.

The carer’s health

Lifting and turning put a strain on the back. Where possible work in pairs, use aids such as a slide sheet and learn safe transfer technique. Taking regular breaks is not a luxury; it is essential if care is to be sustainable.