Frequent bathing is important for older adults. When fear or lack of confidence prevents your loved one from taking a bath, hygiene and self-esteem issues can arise. Certain safety measures can make a senior feel better about bathing, which may enhance his or her overall health.
Install Grab Bars
Aging adults are often affected by degenerative joint disease, poor vision, and side effects from prescription medications. These factors can all lead to fear of bathing or showering. To increase confidence and peace of mind, install grab bars on the walls to help your loved one maintain stability in the bathtub or shower and when getting out of the tub.
If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Roseville seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.
Place Nonslip Shower Mats on the Floor
Slippery shower floors can raise the risk of life-threatening accidents and injuries. A nonslip bath mat and skidproof bathroom rug can prevent falls. A stable shower mat can also help your loved feel safe when bathing. It is important to clean the shower mat after every use because soap scum can accumulate underneath and cause the mat to slip out of place.
Consider a Stand-By Assist
Although your loved one may be uncomfortable with a stand-by assist, it may make him or her feel more comfortable and safe when bathing or showering. To prevent embarrassment, maintain your loved one’s privacy by pulling the shower curtain or closing the shower door. Knowing you are in the bathroom standing by may help your loved one feel more confident when bathing. If feelings of dizziness, pain, lightheadedness, or weakness should arise, you will be there to quickly assist. If your loved one does not want a stand-by assist while showering or bathing, consider purchasing an emergency medical alert device, which can easily be affixed to the shower wall. Knowing emergency help will promptly be on the way if a fall occurs can raise confidence levels when taking a bath or shower.
Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the best ways to ensure your senior loved one receives help with bathing, cleaning, grooming, and other activities. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Roseville Home Care Assistance can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks.
Choose an Optimal Time for Bathing
Choosing the most optimal time to take a bath can make bathing safer for aging adults. For example, your loved one may feel more secure when bathing after taking medications, engaging in physical therapy, or eating food. It is important to schedule bathing time when your loved one feels strong and active.
Invest in Shower Chairs and Walk-In Tubs
One of the main factors leading to fear and apprehension during bathing is losing balance while standing. Getting a bath or shower chair allows your loved one to confidently bathe without being afraid of falling. When your loved one feels confident, he or she can better enjoy the therapeutic effects of the warm water, which can help with mobility, ease sore bones, and promote feelings of calmness. Walk-in tubs can also reduce the fear of bathing. When your loved one doesn’t have to step over the high side of the bathtub, he or she may be more likely to bathe frequently.
Seniors who find it difficult to bathe on their own should consider professional in-home care. Roseville home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently. To hire a professionally trained caregiver for your elderly loved one, call Home Care Assistance at (916) 226-3737 today.