Changing Adult Diapers

When an adult diaper becomes too wet, it soaks the skin and often causes rashes and foul odor, just as with a baby diaper. To keep this from happening, a diaper should be changed once it has absorbed dirt or liquid.

People who need to wear diapers due to urinary problems should have their diapers changed as soon as they awake. While some adults are capable of changing their own diapers, there are many who require assistance in this task. This is especially true with those who are physically and mentally disabled.

To change an adult's diaper is practically similar to that of a baby's, although a bit more challenging. First, the diaper should be the appropriate size and should be easily fitted and closed securely at the waist. A well-fitted adult diaper is not only comfortable to wear, but can also prevent leaks while worn.

A soiled diaper is first removed by detaching the sticky or velcro tabs on its sides. Unlike a baby's diaper, which you can just pull off, you need to exercise extra care when doing it with an adult's diaper. While a baby's diaper can be changed without much effort, changing an adult's diaper can be more complicated. The following are some helpful tips to properly change an adult diaper:

• Roll the wearer gently to one side away from you. Fold the diaper inward in such a way that the wetness or stain is inside the fold. Make sure it does not unfold back.



• Roll the wearer this time to the opposite side as far as possible over the folded diaper and pull the diaper gently out. If it does not come out easily, tuck the folded diaper further in and roll him again to the opposite side and pull the diaper out.



• When the diaper is properly taken off, use baby wipes or warm water and soap to clean the diaper area thoroughly. Make sure the skin is completely dry before putting a fresh diaper on. Use powder or lotion to soothe the skin and prevent chafing.



• To put a fresh diaper on, roll the wearer to one side as far as possible and slip the new diaper under him, making sure the diaper is more or less centered once the wearer lies on his back.



• Roll the wearer back over the diaper and pull the diaper through, making sure it is evenly positioned on both sides, and fasten the tabs securely.



• Although changing an adult's diaper is tricky at first, you can be efficient at the task with patience and sufficient practice.