Introduction
One of the hardest things for many people to do is get a senior citizen to take a shower. While this isn’t as hard as getting someone who’s been bedridden for months to walk, it can be quite difficult. If you’re going to help your elderly relative in any capacity, you should know how they are going to take care of their hair and skin once they’ve done their business. This tutorial will show you how.
Showering or bathing for an elderly person can be a challenge. From their point of view, they often don’t have the necessary strength to stand under a showerhead, so they won’t want to get up. Many seniors also consider showering a private personal matter and don’t want anyone looking at them while they’re bathing. This blog post is aimed to help people who cannot physically move themselves take a shower or bath. It will provide advice and tips on how to do this safely and make the process as easy as possible.
What Is The Purpose Of This Blog Post?
The purpose of this blog post is to educate readers on how they can help elderly people take a shower or bath without making it difficult for them. It provides information that will hopefully help readers care for their elderly loved ones better. Readers can use these tips in various ways such as helping the elderly person who lives with them, volunteering at assisted living centers, etc.
How To Help An Elderly Person To Shower Or Bathe?
1. Prepare The Area
An elderly person’s room should be cleaned thoroughly. Make sure to use Lysol disinfectant wipes and make it a habit to clean your hands after you touch anything in their room. If there’s clutter in their bathroom that could get slippers, towels, or linens dirty, put them away in a dry laundry hamper or cover them. Try using an empty laundry basket and place the items into the basket instead of having them on the floor. Otherwise, they might walk on them and make it difficult for your elderly relative to maneuver around the shower/bathtub.
2. Make Sure The Tub, Shower Head, And Hot Water Are Within Reach
If your elderly loved one has trouble standing, there should be a shower chair in the shower or bathtub. If not, there should be a riser that allows them to sit enough to turn the shower on and off. This is usually available in hospitals as well as nursing homes. Your elderly loved one is also likely to enjoy sitting comfortably in their tub or shower so a stool can be placed beside it. If they cannot reach it because of their condition, they can still use a handheld showerhead and make sure that they are able to turn the water on and off themselves.
3. Make Sure There Are Plenty Of Handles
There should be plenty of handles on the wall, shower curtain, and showerhead that your elderly relative can use to safely get in and out of the tub. They should also have a pivot grab bar that is sturdy enough for them to hold on to. It doesn’t hurt to have a toilet seat riser so they don’t have to bend down as low when they’re using their toilet.
4. Make Sure The Shower Is Well-Lighted
If your elderly relative has poor vision or has become disoriented by their condition, then you should make sure that there are lights in the bathroom. You can place lamps next to the sink or even near the shower and bathtub if needed.
5. Tell Them When They Need To Take A Bath Or Shower
Your elderly relative might not realize that they need to clean themselves and smell bad. If they do, tell them that they need to take a shower or bath. It’s better than allowing them to stay dirty because they don’t realize it.
6. Help Them Clean Their Hair
If your elderly relative has a hard time cleaning their hair, then it’s time for you to step in and help them out. This can be done by shampooing their hair for them or helping them hold their head up so that the water can rinse the soap off their hair and body. It’s best if you make this part of your routine once or twice a week or whenever needed.
7. Clean The Rest Of Their Body
If your elderly relative has a hard time cleaning their body and this is something that they need help with, then you should clean the rest of their body. You can do this by using a washcloth or a sponge and soapy water to scrub their shoulders, neck, back, and feet. If your elderly loved one is able to scrub their own back or feet then let them do it.
8. Help Them Dry Their Hair And Body
Your elderly loved ones might have trouble drying themselves like they used to due to their condition. You can help them out by using towels or a hairdryer if they are comfortable with it all the while making sure that they are safe at all times.
9. Assist Them In The Shower And Bathtub
If your elderly relative is not able to bathe safely by themselves, then you should assist them in the shower and bathtub. Make sure that they stay close while they’re in the tub or shower and don’t leave them alone.
10. Keep Their Body Warm
It’s important that you keep your elderly loved ones warm while they’re showering or bathing so that they do not get chilled and feel uncomfortable. You can do this by making sure that there are plenty of blankets or towels available to wrap them in.
Conclusion
It’s not easy for any of us to give up our independence. However, the process of taking a shower or bath can sometimes be hard for older adults who have physical limitations and require assistance in order for them to get clean. You can help your elderly loved ones by asking them what they need from you in terms of assistance and make it a responsibility of yours to fulfill their daily needs as much as you can while they’re still with you.