How do you handle situations where patients are incontinent or have accidents, and what is the best way to clean them up?

First, ASSESS why the incontinence is occuring. It may be a symptom which medication, bladder training, change of medicine or diet change could correct. If possible, use an Aveeno prep or something similar for skin in homebound patients, as soap can be very drying, especially for the elderly. In the hospital, consult your skin care team for the best wash to use. Warm water and soap still get everyone clean if nothing else is available. Be sure to follow with good skin cream such as a water barrier lotion whether in hospital or at home. Many lotions protect for a long time despite frequent washing. Use the softest washcloths available. Many hospitals have special linen to use for patients at special risk of skin breakdown such as flannel washcloths. Flannel can be bought and used at home as well. Avoid harsh soaps at home and use soemthing like Dove instead. The Aveeno products are often used on dermatology services or burn units and are not soap but colloidal oatmeal preparations, and very soothing. Always provide a lot of reassurance as most aware patients are devastated by their incontinence.