ature 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.

Two or more bath towels.

Two wash cloths--one for the face and another for the rest of the body.

Soap--Ivory or castile are good.

Pitcher of good hot water, and slop jar.

Alcohol and toilet powder if you have it.

Nail file and scissors.

Comb and brush.

Clean bed linen and nightgown. In cold weather these may be hung near
the fire or radiator to warm.

A basin of water of a temperature that the sick person finds
comfortable.

When everything is ready the Scout can help by loosening the bedclothes,
arranging the extra blanket, removing the nightgown, and in holding the
basin and towels, in changing the water or in any way that will make the
bath easier for the sick person, perhaps washing the feet and back,
being careful to keep all the rest of the body covered and warm, and in
protecting the bed by bath towels spread under the part being washed.
When doing this the wash cloth should not be so wet that it will drip
and wet the bed. It should be held so that the corners do not touch
against the bedclothes. There should not be too much soap used as it
makes the skin feel sticky. Every part should be rinsed and dried
thoroughly. Warm towels are a great help in this.

When the bath is finished alcohol or witch hazel may be used to rub the
parts where there is most pressure as the back, shoulder blades, hips,
buttocks, elbows, knees and ankles. This not only gives comfort but it
prevents bedsores.

If a sick person gets a bath, so that it does not disturb nor tire her
nor make her chilly she will usually enjoy it. By getting everything
ready, by helping where needed, and by clearing up nicely the Girl Scout
m