For many caregivers, bath or shower time can be the most challenging time of day. If your parent suffers from dementia, the pounding water that they may, or may not, be able to see can feel like a thousand needles penetrating their skin. They may remember taking a shower yesterday when it was really a week ago. For those that are no longer steady on their feet, shower time may elicit fears of falling. And for others, it is a time that reminds them that the roles have changed and they are no longer the one changing diapers and washing up their child.
Tips
Many caregivers find themselves in the role of needing to help their resistant parent with daily hygiene. Some tips that have worked for others include the following:
- Don’t feel like it has to be an everyday activity. Intersperse showers or baths with sponge baths or the use of wipes. When it is time, consider employing the use of a reward system, as they probably did with you when you were a child. Let’s freshen up so we can enjoy lunch out at the park or a trip to the mall or a stroll through the neighboring green space. Whatever brings a smile to your parent’s face is the activity that may be the key to a stress-free shower.
- Make shower or bath time a relaxing occasion. Bathing can be easier on both you and your parent. Make sure the room is warm and fill the bath with a cup of Epsom salts and a few drops of their favorite essential oil. Be sure to have a luxurious scented liquid soap on hand with a matching scented lotion. Play relaxing music, have a cup of ice-cold lemonade or tea on hand, and mentally prepare for this time as a retreat—a time for your parent to rejuvenate and for you to relax in the process of caring for them.
- Make use of an elderly care provider. Others in your role have found that when an elderly care provider performs this role, showers and bath time go a lot smoother. It could be that the emotional attachment and role reversal is not an issue or that the care provider has performed this action countless times and knows a few tricks of the trade.Whichever is the case, easier and smoother is definitely better.
- Whichever process you take, make sure to set a standard time, a routine that your parent can count on. An elderly person’s world can change dramatically from day-to-day. Having a routine around which they can depend can ease their concerns and make life a little sweeter.
- Create a safe environment by using a hand-held shower attachment, non-slip mats and installing grab bars in the shower and by the toilet.
Trial and error will lead you to the best solution for both you and your parent. When the going gets rough, try to recall the words Tia Walker, author, wrote: “To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors.”
If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Far West Houston, TX, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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