Bathing a senior loved one is among the many hurdles most family caregivers face. However, it doesn’t have to be a permanent obstacle.
Here are some suggestions you might want to try:
- Listen to their concerns.
Have you ever thought about why your senior loved one may dislike the idea of taking a bath? It’s not necessarily that they don’t like being hygienic. There might actually be other factors at play.
Try and talk to them about what prevents them from taking a bath.
By knowing the reason that causes them to hesitate, you will be able to move in the right direction towards a solution.
- Adopt the amenities to their needs.
If your senior loved one discusses their anxiety towards slipping and falling in the bath, you can add non-slip matting on the tiles, install handlebars, and adjust the lighting in the bathroom.
Once you have learned about what troubles them during bath time, make the necessary changes to the bathroom to make the experience more comfortable and safe for them.
- Consider their preferences.
How do they prefer to bathe? Do they like using the shampoo first before washing their body with soap? Do they like to take their time and soak in the tub? You can improve the experience by placing all the bath products they use on a plastic tray or basket so they won’t have trouble getting to it.
Understanding small details like these can aid you in making certain adjustments in the bathroom that will greatly benefit your senior loved one.
- Set a routine.
Would it be easier for them to bath in the morning or at night? Will they be more energized to engage in daily activities after they have taken a bath in the morning? Or will they be more likely to get better rest at night after a bath in the evening?
Pick the most suitable time for your loved one and recreate the same schedule each day. Having a routine for bath time (and other things) will help seniors adjust and gain a sense of stability they can enjoy.
- Offer them privacy as much as possible.
Having privacy is an important part of maintaining dignity and individuality, something that your senior loved one would greatly appreciate.
If you’re worried about what may happen in the bath, you can remain within earshot so they won’t have trouble calling you if they need assistance.
Helping a senior loved one bath may be a challenging task at first, but soon you will see that it’s not so difficult if you have the right plan of action.
For added care during bath time, you may request the aid of Home Health Care professionals from 1st Choice Home Health Agency. We are a Home Health Agency in Texas keen on providing you and your senior loved one a more convenient lifestyle. Set an appointment with us to discuss your options.
