Washing bed-bound patients feet in warm water can be very theraputic

Please note that the following advice may not be suitable for all patients.

Many patients, particularly older patients, may suffer from conditions that make soaking their feet inappropriate. Also, anyone with any form of injury to their feet or toes may not be helped by soaking their feet. So, please seek advice before offering what can be a very soothing treatment.

I have often found that some patients, who cannot access a bath or a shower, enjoy the chance for a nurse to wash their feet in a bowl of warm soapy water rather than just having them wiped with a soapy cloth. Not only can it be easier to clean the feet thoroughly this way, the chance to feel the warm water on them often makes them feel much better as well.

Note It is very important that feet are dried very thoroughly particularly between the toes, as any lingering dampness can lead to infection.

Nicola

Proving this point, we were very moved to receive the following e-mail from KR. Such a simple idea but it clearly made a huge difference to her daughter.

She writes....

'My daughter was in a terrible car accident. It was days before she could bathe and to make her feel better (as she wanted a shower so badly and just longed to "feel" the water on her skin) The hospital issues every patient a pink tub and water pitcher. I filled the tub with warm water and took it over to her bedside where she was sitting up. I had a face towel and washcloth which I set on the bed within her hand grasp and she just dunked her face into the tub of water I was holding. She cried it felt so good. Sometimes...its the little things that matter most.'