Written by Jessie on Wed Jan 01 2025.
No way to get your loved one to a shower or bath? No worries. From no-rinse wash to shampoo caps, we’ve put together a handy list of water-free options for cleansing bedridden loved ones. Read on for our favorite ways to ensure clean, fresh skin in any environment.
1. Bathing gloves
Pre-moistened with gentle body soap, a bathing glove is worn over the hand and used to wash a loved one. Use either side to wipe the body down, then toss the glove away. Gentle on fragile or sensitive skin, these gloves leave loved ones feeling and smelling fresh, even if you can’t get them to the shower. You can even pop them in the microwave for a wash that’s warm and cozy.
2. No-rinse body wash
So powerful it’s used by NASA astronauts, no-rinse body wash cleanses away dirt and impurities with no need for water. Skin feels clean, refreshed, and odor-free, and the special formula is safe on sensitive complexions.
3. Overnight underpads
Overnight underpads are absorbent, soft, and sturdy. Advanced polymers wick wetness away from the top sheet and into the absorbent core, so the fabric feels soft and dry against skin. A great companion to pull-up underwear or diapers with tabs, underpads are a heavy-duty solution that keeps your loved one dry and clean.
4. Shampoo caps
Simply place a shampoo cap on your loved one’s head and massage the scalp, working from bottom to top. The built-in shampoo and conditioner will remove impurities, leaving clean hair that brushes out tangle-free. You can even microwave the cap ahead of time for a warm, comfortable wash.
5. Quilted wipes
If you’re managing incontinence, you may already have some handy hygienic wipes laying around. They’re extra large and great for cleansing during changes. But did you know they’re also an ideal tool in between showers? Their lotion-enriched fabric is packed with aloe, chamomile, and vitamin E, which promote skin health. Use them to wipe down loved ones for a gentle cleansing that leaves them feeling and smelling fresh.
Read Next: How to choose the best incontinence pads.
Cleansing wipes can soothe irritated skin and help maintain personal hygiene with ease. But not all wipes are created equal, there are both scented and unscented wipes available. Some wipes are flushable, while others are not. And you can find options with lotion or softening ingredients, like aloe. But where can you find the best cleansing wipes for your needs? Here at Carewell, we carry reliable brands for adult wipes including Attends, TENA, and ProCare. Take a look at the different features here and shop from our curated list of the 11 best cleansing wipes.
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Learning about bathroom safety for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia is vital since many people with advanced Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia require assistance with daily activities like bathing, brushing their teeth, or using the toilet.
Medically Reviewed by Kiera Powell, R.N.