If you're caring for someone, make sure to protect your own safety – for example, by getting advice on helping someone get in and out of the bath. See more on moving and handling. Giving a bed bath Some drugs may have Authority Required (Streamlined) status which does not require an explicit approval from Medicare, instead the doctor can use the Authority code found in the published Schedule for a given drug/indication. Your social services department should be able to provide small aids and adaptations for the home, including: You may also be interested in the Contiplan Barier cloth range manufactured by Clinell for the effective management of continence care.

Keeping yourself or someone you care for clean is essential. Poor hygiene can cause discomfort, skin complaints and infections, and can lower self-esteem. Staying clean: the basics If the person you care for cannot move or has extremely limited mobility, you may need to give them a bed bath. Be extra careful when you move or handle them. Prescriptions must be written on an Authority Prescription Form, and the approval number must be noted on the prescription. Pharmacists cannot dispense the item as a pharmaceutical benefit unless it has been approved by Medicare Australia (indicated by the presence of the approval number). As many as 1 in 3 people have difficulty controlling their flow of urine. And while someone may not have a problem controlling their bowel or bladder, a mobility problem can make it difficult to get to the toilet in time.A continence adviser may be able to provide many small items and other equipment that can help with continence, including: Some PBS medications are restricted and require prior approval from Medicare before a doctor is able to prescribe them on the PBS. This prior approval to prescribe grants the doctor the Authority to prescribe the desired medicine and have it funded under the PBS. FreshWipes are extra-large, extra wet adult body wipes that are designed to clean your body whenever you can’t shower. Overhead showers can be frightening to some people. If you have no bath, or there's a good reason for showering rather than bathing, use a handheld shower. Ask your social services department if they provide this service. Your local council will usually carry out a needs assessment to work out what the best service is for you.

Alzheimer's Society has more tips on how dementia affects washing and dressing. Continence services Supports and promotes infection control through a wide variety of wet wipes and disinfectant sprays. Can be used on surfaces, skin, medical devices and fluid spills dependent upon your needs. Many people become self-conscious when undressed in front of others. Be sensitive to the situation and approach it in the way you think is best. Continence problems can cause skin irritation and infection, as well as embarrassment and loss of confidence. Be aware of the emotional state of the person you care for when you're helping them wash. For example, some people are anxious about deep bath water. Bathroom and shower adaptations, such as seats or recliners, can reduce anxiety. Reassure the person that you won't let them get hurt.For most people, washing is a very private activity. If you're helping someone wash or have a bath, be sensitive and try to maintain their dignity. Ask the person how they would prefer to be helped and allow them as much independence as you think is safe. Authority to prescribe an Authority medicine is granted for specific indications and/or for certain patient circumstances. Authority may be obtained by telephone to Medicare Australia (known as "phone approval") or in writing from an authorised delegate of the Minister for Health. You can also buy continence equipment directly. The Bladder & Bowel Community has a directory of incontinence products. Laundry services Your GP can advise you on NHS services that can help. They can provide support, advice and information, and may refer you to continence advisers or specialists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and dietitians.