How to Care for a Catheter Dressing Change At Home
Returning home after being put in a catheter can be a scary experience. Without the presence of a medical professional and around-the-clock medical care, it may be a scary transition to be on the road to recovery on your own.
Even though you may have been given specific care instructions, there are precautions you can take to take care of your dressing at home. Dressings are bandages that protect different types of tubes, wounds, and catheters to keep the site bacteria-free, clean, and maintain an moist healing environment.
Here are 5 tips when caring for a catheter dressing change at home:
- Keep Your Hands Clean
When handling your dressing change, make sure your hands are clean. We recommend washing your hands with warm water, soap, and drying them off with a clean towel. Continue to wash and dry your hands everytime you touch other equipment and supplies.
- Act Quickly
We recommend changing your dressing right away as soon as it becomes dirty, wet, or loose. Not changing the dressing can create an environment for bacteria and germs to enter. Change the dressing sooner than later!
- Preparation is Key
To have the catheter dressing experience go more smoothly and easy, we recommend to always prepare. This includes keeping your work area like your bathroom or bedroom clean and gathering any necessary supplies such as paper towels, sterile gloves, antiseptic pads, gauze, and any bandages.
- Look Out for Any Precautions
Inspect the dressing site for any red flags such as redness, swelling, or soreness. If you do see bleeding, leaking, or other signs of infection, we recommend you call your medical provider immediately.
- Find Support
When you first begin doing catheter dressing changes, it may be difficult to do it yourself. If you have a friend, family member, or caregiver, ask them for an extra hand when changing your dressing. As you continue to do dressing changes, the process will become easier.
To make the catheter dressing experience easier, we designed CATH DRESSING ® . With less steps, preparation and equipment compared to traditional dressing changes using dry Y-gauze, we offer an easy way to care for a catheter dressing change at home.
Our dressing change is made with a hydrophilic foam pad which inhibits the area from bacterial growth. With a self adhesive tape with side openings, it allows for a secure fit. Each dressing change is individually packed, disposable, and sterilized to make it an easy process to change for at home and even travel!
To see CATH DRESSING ® in action:
To learn more about CATH DRESSING ®:
Disclaimer: Please consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical advice. The contents of this website are intended for informational and educational purposes only and not to substitute professional medical advice.