Tips for Caregivers Bathing the Aging in Place

Getting an aging adult patient to bathe can be a struggle for many family caregivers. The biggest concerns are if they do not bathe, they could develop infections, produce a strong odor, or become aggravatingly itchy. Here are a few bathing tips to keep aging adults healthy and clean while minimizing conflicts and stress. 

Why do some aging adults try to avoid bathing?

Weaker Senses

As we age our senses of smell and sight decrease. An aging adult may not notice an odor. 

Depression

When aging adults feel depressed, simple tasks can feel like impossible feats. When someone feels sad, they can hardly work up the energy for bathing.

Pain or Fear

For many aging adults the bathroom can be intimidating, especially if there are no safety guards in place like grab bars or walk-in tub. Wet floors are potentially disastrous for aging adults. In addition, the bath can be uncomfortable. Aging adults have sensitive skin and some experience joint pain that makes sitting in the tub uncomfortable. 

For Dementia patients, the entire experience could be frightening. They may not understand why there is water running and they are in a tub. They could begin to hallucinate and become very afraid. They likely do not understand what you are trying to do and may think you are going to hurt them. 

Embarrassment

Just because someone is older doesn’t mean they are fine with bathing around another person. If embarrassment is the reason for hesitancy to bathe, try reassuring them you are a trained professional, with training on how to bathe them properly. You could give them a large towel while they undress and a large washcloth to cover themselves while they bathe.

There are many different approaches once you have identified why the aging adult in your care is reluctant to bathe. It may take trial and error and compromise, but you can find a solution. Here are some of our best tips:

Make sure the environment is safe

• Use a handheld shower device to avoid spraying them in the face. 
• Make sure the bath water is at a comfortable temperature. 
• Make sure these are grab bars in the tub. Next Day Access offers an assortment of grab bars and can install them in the correct areas to help older adults feel steadier when they enter the bathroom. 
• Use a shower chair to help aging adults that have trouble sitting in the tub. 
• Keep the bathroom floor clean and dry to help avoid falls. 
• If your patient does not already have a walk-in tub speak to the family about the importance of installing one. Next Day Access has a conversion kit that can be installed quickly and makes it easier for aging adults to enter the tub.

Set up a portable shower for patients

There are several new ways to get a patient to bathe even if that means installing a portable shower in a room. With a portable shower, they can stay in their wheelchair and easily roll into the shower area. The portable shower has its own drain and an easy set-up process. A portable shower could ease patients’ concern over bathroom safety, and they will likely be glad they do not have to leave their wheelchair. Portable showers are also offered at Next Day Access.

Consider opting for a sponge bath

Bathing and showering are the best ways to clean the body, but if you must comprise, rest assured running water is not always necessary to get your patient clean. Here’s a helpful step-by-step guide on how to give a sponge bath. 

• Gather all the supplies you will need and make sure your older adult is nice and warm. 

• Start from the face and head and move down the body. Clean the private areas last. 

• For privacy and warmth uncover only the body part that is being washed. 

• Be sure to use gentle strokes. Remind yourself their skin is far more sensitive than younger adults. 

• Use a different washcloth for each area so you do not transfer dirt by using dirty washcloths. Remember, the goal is to get them as clean as they would get from an actual shower or bath. 

We hope these tips will help you have an easier time bathing your loved one or patient. At Next Day Access, we have everything you need to ensure aging adults living in place will feel safe not only in their bathroom but throughout the house. Contact us today for a complimentary in-home consultation.