Wondering why your elderly loved one is refusing to shower or bathe? The problem is not an uncommon one for family caregivers. While aging adults don’t necessarily need to bathe every day, they do need to wash their bodies a few times per week. If they don’t they could have body odor, skin conditions, urinary tract infections and even sores and blisters.
If possible, talk to your elderly relative about the reasons they don’t want to bathe or shower. Once you discover what their issues are, you can take steps together to fix any problems.
Obstacles to Baths and Showers
-Seniors may be reluctant about showering or bathing for many reasons. Sometimes they are afraid of falling because they have poor balance or can’t stand for long periods of time. The slippery tiles and smooth surfaces can be dangerous to seniors without anything to support them. Bathing or showering may make them uncomfortable, due to extreme temperature changes or being wet.
-Some elderly people have a fear of falling in the shower due to poor balance, some are very modest and do not want to have help, some feel discomfort with extreme temperature changes, and some elderly people may even have pain whenever they change positions often. Dizziness or vertigo can also impact how well a person can handle showers or baths. Arthritis and stiff joints can even prevent seniors from gripping a washcloth and soap to effectively clean themselves.
-There are many other reasons why elderly relatives may be refusing to shower. Some elderly people are extremely modest and don’t want their family member to help them yet can’t really do it themselves. Some struggle with power dynamics and become stubborn in their refusals. Cognitive decline can cause aging adults to think they’ve just bathed when it’s really been several days. Depression and grief can also affect a senior’s desire and ability to regularly get clean.
Getting Third Party Help
When your aging relative won’t shower, it can be frustrating. One of the best solutions to the problem is to hire a home care provider. These professionals can come in a few times per week to help the senior bathe or shower, get dressed and groomed for the day. They know how to work with seniors and can assist with bathing or showering in a fast, dignified and professional manner.
Home care providers can also educate you and your loved one on different techniques for keeping clean. They can introduce shower or bath aides that increase comforts, such as chairs, handheld showerheads, hands-free soap dispensers and non-slip bath mats. They can even show seniors how to safely enter and exit the shower area for maximum safety.
When you hire someone from a home health care agency, you and your aging loved one will have all the support and expertise you need to get them bathed or showered. Seniors will be more likely to comply when their fears and worries about the process are alleviated, thanks to the home care provider.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care Services in Beverly Hills, CA, please call Mom's Home Care and talk to our friendly, knowledgeable staff.
Our number is 323-244-4789
