Overview
A sink bath, or basin bath, can be a safe choice for a person who can't move around or walk much. And it's a good time to check their skin for sores or rashes.
The person may want a sink bath every day or a few times a week. Their hair may not need to be washed every time. If you can, try to let the person choose when and how often they bathe.
As you help to undress and bathe the person, try to be relaxed. If you are calm and don't seem embarrassed, the person may feel more comfortable. Give them as much privacy as possible. If they are safe alone for a while and are able to bathe without help, shut the door or close a curtain and step out of the bathroom. But stay close in case they ask for help.
Preparing for a sink bath
When you help someone take a sink bath, start by gathering materials. You will need:
- Face cloths or bath sponges.
- Towels.
- A bar of soap or liquid soap.
- Tear-free shampoo or no-rinse shampoo (if the hair needs to be washed).
Offer the person a robe for comfort and privacy while you set up the supplies. Or they can undress only the part of the body that is being bathed. Set up a shower stool or chair at the sink, or the person can stay in a wheelchair if they use one.
Let the person take off the robe (or uncover the areas to be bathed) but give help if they need it. Remember to use the back of your hand to test the water to make sure it's not too hot or cold. You don't have to wear gloves, but it might be a good idea if the person has been vomiting or has had diarrhea. And it's a good idea to wear a mask if you or the person has an illness that can spread, such as a cold or influenza (flu).
Helping with the sink bath
Put soap on the face cloth or sponge and give it to the person. Let the person do the bathing as much as possible. You can help if there are areas they can't reach. This is just a partial bath, so the person needs to wash only certain parts of the body. It's fine to wash only the face, underarms, and groin and anal areas—in that order. If possible, check the skin for signs of rashes or sores.
After washing with soap, rinse off the soap with a fresh, damp face cloth. Help the person wash their hair if that is part of this bath. Give them a towel to dry off, or put one within reach, and help them dress if they want help.
Credits
Current as of: November 14, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Gayle E. Stauffer, RN - Registered Nurse
Current as of: November 14, 2022
FAQs
This is just a partial bath, so the person needs to wash only certain parts of the body. It's fine to wash only the face, underarms, and groin and anal areas—in that order. If possible, check the skin for signs of rashes or sores. After washing with soap, rinse off the soap with a fresh, damp face cloth.
How do you assist with a bath? ›
Use a shower seat when there is difficulty sitting down in the tub. Keep the water level in the bathtub low. With the hand shower, have your loved one use it for rinsing suds off, etc. Start at the top of the body, washing the hair first, letting them rinse if they are inclined, and then dry.
How do you give an elderly person a sponge bath? ›
Sponge bathing is most often used (you can use a sponge or a washcloth). Fill two basins, one with warm soapy water for washing and one with plain warm water for rinsing. Use a new washcloth for different areas. Remove clothes, wash and dry the area, and re-dress in sections to prevent your parent from getting cold.
What is a sink bath? ›
A sink bath, or basin bath, helps the person you're caring for to stay clean and fresh in between showers. It can be a good choice when your loved one is too tired for a shower or can't move around or walk much. The person may want a sink bath every day or a few times a week.
How do you bathe an elderly person without a shower? ›
Bed baths are a good choice for persons who are frail, non-ambulatory, considerably overweight, or who experience pain on transfer. It is possible to wash people adequately in the bed and it is often much less stressful. It is usually done with a basin of water, soap, washcloths, and rinsing off the soap.
How do you bathe when you can't shower? ›
Bathing Without Water
You can use scented moist towelettes or baby wipes, it's up to you. Use the wipes to thoroughly wipe down your armpits, privates and feet, as these are the areas most prone to bad odor. Then, use additional wipes to clean the rest of your body. Use separate facial wipes to quickly clean your face.
How to help an elderly person bathe? ›
How do caregivers convince parents to bathe?
- Treat Depression. If the senior is depressed, a physician may prescribe antidepressants. ...
- Modify Bathrooms. Seniors have a legitimate fear of stepping into a slippery tub. ...
- Reframe “Bathing” ...
- Simplify Tasks. ...
- Create an “Event” ...
- Offer Rewards. ...
- Hire Bath Aide. ...
- Seek Home Care.
There are four basic types of baths that are provided based on the needs, preferences, and mobility of clients: a partial bath, shower, tub bath, or full bed bath.
Do caregivers give baths? ›
Our caregivers are trained and experienced in bathing assistance in a shower, in the bathtub, with a basin bath, and giving a bed bath, as required by the situation. We encourage our clients to bathe themselves as much as possible and help where help is needed.
What is the first thing to do before bathing an elderly patient? ›
Before Bathing
Before starting a bath or shower: Get the soap, washcloth, towels, and shampoo ready. Make sure the bathroom is warm and well lighted. Play soft music if it helps to relax the person.
Easier entry: Shower stalls make it easier for older adults to enter. You don't have to step over the high bathtub side, so you cut down the risk of a fall. Zero-entry or roll-in shower stalls can also accommodate wheelchairs for a more accessible option.
How do you give a dementia patient a bath? ›
Always check the water temperature, even if the person draws his or her own bath. Place a nonskid mat in the tub or shower. Install grab bars and use a seat in the tub or shower. Make sure there are no puddles on the bathroom floor.
What are sink baths called? ›
A half-bath, also known as a powder room or guest bath, has only two of the four main bathroom components—typically a toilet and sink.
How deep should a bath sink be? ›
Sink Size and Shape
Most round bathroom sink bowls are 16 to 20 inches in diameter, while most rectangular sinks are 19 to 24 inches wide and 16 to 23 inches front to back. The typical basin depth is 5 to 8 inches.
Why do people put a tub in the sink? ›
If you have a single sink it is useful to have a space down which one can spill detritus from plates without making the washing up water murky. A plastic bowl also acts as a noise insulator against the metal sink and as a less hard surface for glasses.
Can I just wash my hair in the sink? ›
There are numerous reasons why you may not want to wash your hair in the shower. Perhaps you are in a hurry, perhaps you just got a new tattoo, or maybe you wear hair extensions. Whatever the reason, washing your hair in the sink can be a quick, easy alternative.
How to wash body from sink? ›
This is just a partial bath, so the person needs to wash only certain parts of the body. It's fine to wash only the face, underarms, and groin and anal areas—in that order. If possible, check the skin for signs of rashes or sores. After washing with soap, rinse off the soap with a fresh, damp face cloth.
Can I shower with sink water? ›
Many people don't realize this, but showering with unfiltered water can expose you to a number of harmful chemicals and minerals.
How do you wash your face over the sink without water everywhere? ›
Keep your face lower than your elbows
Water can't drip down your elbows if your elbows aren't down. You can do your entire face-washing protocol while you're head-down in your sink, or start the lathering before applying water, like we discussed above.
