3.4. The Head Washing

 
Back         Next

cartoon
 

The condition of the elderly person’ hair and how it is styled is an important part of their identity, so hair care should be carried out – as far as possible – according to their wishes. Washing and styling the elderly person’ hair can also be a valuable social activity and help boost their self-esteem and sense of wellbeing.

 
Caring for the elderly person’ hair provides an opportunity to observe the scalp for signs of pressure damage, dandruff or dry skin and underlying skin conditions.

The daily brushing the hair of an elderly person stimulates circulation in the scalp, removes dirt and shed epidermis. It is recommended to brush the hair of an elderly person 1-2 times a day and always after washing and drying. The frequency of washing depends on the general condition, the hair condition and the habits of the elderly person.

An elderly person’s hair should be washed when it looks stale. In the case of an elderly person lying in bed, their head is constantly resting on the pillow and is prone to sweating more. Therefore, it requires frequent scalp toilet and daily hair brushing.
 

Basic equipment for hair washing

   A hair-washing dish or a bowl
 
   A jug with enough clean warm water to rinse the hair thoroughly
 
   A bucket for used water
 
   A foil backing to cover the pillow and the place for the bowl
 
   Towels: at least two, one to cover the neck and shoulders and one to dry the hair
 
   Preferred shampoo
 
   A comb or hairbrush
 
 

Step by step washing the elderly person’s hair that lying in bed

   Prepare equipment for washing and ensure everything is at hand to minimise the amount of time the elderly person is lying flat
 
   Prepare the room (close the windows, check that the temperature in the room is not lower than 22 degrees Celsius)
 
   Tell the person about what you are doing in sequence
 
   Place the person in a supine position on the folded pillow. Place the pillow at the level of the shoulder blades. Cover the pillow and mattress with a foil backing
 
   Place a bowl under the person’s head. Cover the person’s neck and shoulders with a towel:

head washing

   Brush out the elderly person’s hair gently

head washing

   Using a jug, take water from the bowl and wet the person’s hair. Start at the front hairline and allow the water to drain down and away from the face, avoiding the eyes and ears:

head washing

   Apply the shampoo and massage it into the hair. Using the jug, rinse the person’s hair with water. Repeat the shampooing and washing steps twice, always rinsing the foam out of your hair:

head washing

   Apply conditioner, if required by the person, and rinse the hair again
 
   Check regularly that the person is comfortable and can maintain their position
 
   Pat the hair with a towel to remove the excess water – avoid pulling on the hair as this can be uncomfortable:

head washing

   Remove the bowl and wrap a towel around the person’s head to dry the hair and ensure they do not feel cold
 
   Dry the surrounding skin, paying particular attention to skin folds in the neck
 
   Change any wet bed linen. Dispose of soiled bedlinen directly into the linen skip
 
   Reposition the person so they are comfortable. Help the person get dressed. Style the person’s hair according to their preferences:

head washing

   Clean up the equipment

Images: Fundacja TZMO

 
In a situation where an elderly person moves independently, is strong enough to get out of bed, it is easier to make a head toilet in the bathroom by the sink. The person then stands leaning their hands on the wash basin, bends their head over it, and the caregiver washing the head under running water.
 
 
 
Back         Next
 

progress bar

Personal hygiene:
40% complete