Bathing
Bathing is more important for the sick than for the well. It not only keeps the skin clean and in condition to do its work, but it is soothing to the nerves, makes the sick person rest better and is refreshing.
If the room is the right temperature and the bath is carefully taken there is no danger of a sick person taking cold. On the other hand bathing helps to keep people in condition to avoid taking colds. (See Red Cross Text Book on Home Hygiene and Care of the Sick, page 156.)
When a patient is very sick or helpless, the bath should be given by someone who is able to do it deftly and quickly, with the least exertion to the patient.
Very often, however, a person in bed is quite able to bathe herself, with a little help, if the necessary things are brought to her.
To Prepare For a Bath in Bed
Have the room warm and free from draughts. A good temperature is 70 degrees. An old person or a baby may have it warmer.
Bring into the room everything needed. This will include:
An extra blanket to wrap around the sick person.