How to Change a Diaper for a Bedridden Elderly Person: Step-by-Step Guide for Caregivers

The Importance of Properly Changing an Elderly Person’s Diaper

Caring for a bedridden elderly person involves much more than just changing diapers. It’s one of the most challenging daily tasks for caregivers, requiring dedication and patience. When a caregiver knows how to properly change a diaper, they help prevent issues like skin infections, rashes, discomfort, and the risk of injury.

At Loja Ortopédica, we understand how important proper care is for people with limited mobility. That’s why we’ve developed this guide—to support caregivers with practical steps to provide the best care possible.

Get to Know the Person in Your Care

Before changing the diaper, it’s essential to understand the elderly person’s specific needs:

• Reduced mobility: May require extra care in positioning and movement.
• Sensitive skin: More prone to irritation and injury
• Risk of pressure ulcers: Poorly fitted diapers or rough handling can worsen skin problems.
• Emotional sensitivity: Intimate hygiene may cause emotional discomfort. Clear and compassionate communication makes a big difference.

Communication is often the key. When a caregiver shows genuine interest in the person’s preferences and concerns, it creates a trusting and respectful environment. Asking questions, chatting calmly, and explaining each step helps the person feel more comfortable and respected.

Keeping these points in mind helps caregivers stay calm and focused—not just on physical care, but also on the emotional wellbeing of the elderly person.

Key Features of Adult Diapers

Incontinence diapers are designed to provide comfort and protection for people with limited mobility. Look for the following features:

• High absorbency: Keeps the skin dry for longer.
• Anatomical shape: Fits the body well and allows free movement.
• Soft, breathable materials: Prevents excessive heat and moisture.
• Leak guards: Helps prevent side leakage.
• Odour control: Neutralizes unpleasant smells, ensuring a fresh feeling.

Models with higher absorbency are particularly useful for sensitive skin, reducing the need for frequent changes and providing a more restful night—for both the elderly person and the caregiver.

What Are the Best Diapers for the Elderly?

The best choice depends on each person’s individual needs. Here are some diaper types often recommended for both clinical and home settings:

• Diapers with reinforced elastic: Better waist fit.
• Ultra-soft diapers: Ideal for sensitive skin.
• Anatomical diapers with strong adhesives: Allow repositioning without losing grip.
• Hypoallergenic diapers: Help prevent skin irritation.

Sizes and Absorbency Levels: How to Choose

Correct sizing is essential. Most brands provide size charts (e.g., S, M, L, XL) linked to waist/hip measurements in centimetres. Here are a few tips:

1. Measure with a tape measure: Place it around the widest part of the waist/hip area—snug but not tight.
2. Test the fit: When applying the diaper, ensure it’s snug without being too tight or too loose.
3. Match absorbency to the level of incontinence:
   • Light incontinence (occasional drips): Light to moderate absorbency.
   • Moderate incontinence (frequent small leaks): Moderate to high absorbency.
   • Severe or night-time incontinence: High-capacity diapers for extended protection.
4. Evaluate cost-effectiveness: A slightly more expensive, higher-quality diaper may reduce the number of changes needed and protect the skin better over time.

What You’ll Need to Change an Adult Diaper

Make sure you have everything ready before starting:

• Disposable adult diapers (correct size and absorbency)
• Disposable gloves
• Disposable underpads
• Rotating positioning cushion
• Pre-moistened gloves or disposable mitts
• Alcohol-free wet wipes
• Protective mousse or body oil
• Zinc oxide barrier cream
• Clean, dry towel
• Durable waste bags
• Soap or hand sanitiser
• Hand sanitising gel

Keeping everything organised on a side table or trolley makes the process quicker and more comfortable.

Preparing the Environment

Creating a welcoming and calm space can greatly ease the process. This matters even more for someone who has been bedridden for a long time. Follow these tips:

1. Regulate room temperature: Keep it comfortably warm.
2. Protect the mattress: Use a disposable pad to avoid mess and simplify cleaning.
3. Ensure privacy: Close doors and curtains.
4. Provide a distraction: Soft background TV or a friendly conversation can ease the moment.

Step-by-Step: How to Change a Diaper on a Bedridden Elderly Person

1. Hand Hygiene and Glove Use

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Dry with a clean towel.
• Put on disposable gloves only when you’re ready to begin, to avoid waste.
• Even when using gloves, wash and sanitise hands before and after to avoid infection.

2. Positioning the Elderly Person

• Explain the procedure: A simple phrase like “I’m going to change your diaper now to make you more comfortable” helps ease anxiety.
• Turn the person to their side: If possible, ask them to bend their knees or help them gently.
• Use a positioning cushion:

• Protect the lower back area: Place a towel or underpad under the hips to protect the bed.

3. Removing the Used Diaper

• Gently unfasten the adhesive tabs or Velcro.
• Slide the used diaper down carefully to avoid spills.
• Roll it from the inside out to contain waste.
• Secure it with the tabs and dispose of it in the waste bag.

4. Cleaning and Skin Care

Always clean from front to back to avoid infections.

4.1 If there’s urine:

• Use pre-moistened gloves or mitts with cleansing mousse.
• Wipe gently from the genital area to the anal area.
• Finish with alcohol-free wipes until skin is clean.

4.2 If there’s stool:

• Gently remove excess with dry wipes—do not rub.
• Apply cleansing mousse and wait a few seconds.
• Continue cleaning with wet wipes, front to back.
• Finish with a dry wipe to remove all moisture.

5. Skin Protection

• Pat skin dry gently, do not rub.
• Apply protective mousse or oil around the anal area, buttocks and inner thighs.
• For redness or lesions, use a thin layer of zinc oxide barrier cream only on affected areas.

6. Putting On the New Diaper

• Open the diaper and align the back part with the lower back.
• Bring the front part between the legs, gently lifting the ankles.
• Adjust the diaper snugly without creases.
• Fasten the adhesive tabs, starting with the far side.
• Check the fit: you should be able to slide 1–2 fingers between the diaper and the skin.

7. Proper Disposal and Final Hygiene

• Remove gloves by turning them inside out to avoid contact with waste.
• Seal the waste bag securely.
• Wash hands again with soap and sanitiser.
• Adjust bedding and help the elderly person back into a comfortable position.

Everything You Need for Diaper Changing

At Loja Ortopédica, we offer the best incontinence care products to make diaper changing safer, easier, and more comfortable. From specially adapted diapers and disposable gloves to skin protection and hygiene products—everything is carefully selected to support caregivers and the people in their care.

How Often Should You Change a Bedridden Elderly Person’s Diaper?

Ideally, every 3 to 4 hours, or whenever the diaper is visibly soiled or saturated, to avoid prolonged skin contact with urine/stool and prevent irritation.
At night, high-absorbency adult diapers (night diapers) can provide protection for 8 to 10 hours without leaks.

Conclusion

Following the right steps, using the appropriate products, and creating a calm, respectful environment can make all the difference in the elderly person’s comfort and the caregiver’s routine. Talk to the person, offer reassurance, and always ensure their privacy. Every small act of care counts.