How Elder Care Services Can Make Bathtime Blissful
What feels finer than sinking into a warm, relaxing bath at the end of a long, busy day? While a lot of us relish the luxurious comfort that a bath brings, for the elderly, especially those struggling with the challenges of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, it’s certainly not blissful.
For many different reasons, such as memory problems, feelings of vulnerability, or physical discomfort from the pressure or temperature of the water, elder care services to provide assistance with washing can feel similar to entering a battleground.
Home & Hearth Caregivers wants to help restore the joy of bathtime for both the senior and his or her caregiver with these tips:
- Ensure safety. Keeping the shower area clear of hazards is critical. Make certain that:
- Grab bars and slip-resistant mats are strategically placed in and around the tub
- The water temperature is comfortable (around 100 – 101 degrees is best)
- Never leave an older adult with dementia unattended in the bathroom
- Be imaginative. Who says one person’s bathtime experience has to end up like everybody else’s? Try thinking outside of the box to discover what works best for your senior loved one:
- In the event that senior appreciates music, try singing or playing some favorite songs as a distraction
- Try a “dry” bed bath using no-rinse soap, dry shampoo, and a warm, moist towel
- Incorporate a seven-day bath, involving cleaning simply a portion of the body each day throughout the period of a week
- Assist the older person with both toilet use and cleansing the body at the same time. This can be effective for those experiencing a high amount of anxiety or agitation
- Allow control. One of the most difficult aspects of being cared for is losing independence. Assist the senior in regaining a sense of control through:
- Offering choices
- Enlisting his or her help (i.e., holding the washcloth or container of shampoo)
It could take some trial and error to uncover what makes your senior loved one most secure. A healthy dosage of persistence and a sense of humor can go a long way towards helping the senior relax. She or he will recognize any frustrations you’re feeling, which could escalate the level of agitation for both of you.
Having difficulty with a senior loved one, particularly around bathtime? Elder care services can help turn these battles into a safe relaxing time for senior loved ones. For more tips on turning tears to smiles during bathtime, contact Home & Hearth Caregivers. Our professional elder care services and in-home senior care experts can assist with a full range of personal care services, including washing, restroom use, dressing, hair and skin care, and much more. Partnering with Home & Hearth Caregivers allows relatives to spend more quality time with their senior loved one, and to take a much-needed break to rest and recharge. Call us at 800-349-0663 to learn more about our LaGrange area home care services.