How to help someone use a bedpan or a urinal

What you need to know

What are bedpans and urinals?
Bedpans and urinals are devices that allow people to have a bowel movement or urinate while they are in bed. A man uses a bedpan for a bowel movement but may prefer a urinal when he urinates. Women usually use a bedpan for bowel movements and urinating.

Why does a person need to use a bedpan or urinal?
A person may need to use a bedpan or urinal because he cannot walk to the bathroom, He may have an illness, injury or surgery that make him unable to walk. A person should regularly urinate and have bowel movements to help prevent other health problems from occurring. There may be only a small amount of time between the urge to urinate and urination. The caregiver must be quick to respond to the toileting needs of the person in bed.

What kind of bedpans and urinals are there?
There are several different kind of bedpans and urinals available. Some are metal and other are hard plastic. There are bedpans for people who cannot raise their hips. This may include people in body cast or with hip fractures. Some urinals are made for men and other are made for women. Some urinals are reusable and other are thrown away after each use. You can buy bedpans and urinals at medical supply. You may also be able to take home the bedpans and urinal from the hospital.

How do i get ready to help a person use a bedpan?

Gather you supplies:
￫ A basin with warm water
￫ Disposable gloves
￫ Toilet paper
￫ Towels
￫ Wash cloths or wet wipes
￫ Run warm water over the bedpan and dry it. A metal bedpan retains heat, So check to make sure it is not too hot before putting it under the person.
￫ Sprinkle baby on the edge of the bedpan to make it easier to slide under the person.

How do i help a person who can raise his buttocks to use a bedpan?
￫ Put on disposable gloves.
￫ Place a waterproof pad under the person's buttocks to protect the bed from spills.
￫ Raise the head of the bed a little if it is allowed by the healthcare provider.
￫ Support the lower back of the person with you other hand, place the curved edge of the bedpan under the buttocks of the person.
￫ Raise the head of the bed until the person is in sitting position, Sitting upright makes having a bowel movement or urinating easier.
￫ Give the person privacy if possible.If the person is weak do not leave him alone.
￫ When the person is done, lower the head o