Elderly Bathing and Personal Care: 5 Tips for Caregivers | Elder Care Vancouver
In elder care, personal care time is one of the most emotionally and physically exhausting times of the day for both the caregiver and the care recipient. It is physically exhausting in that it requires lifting and transferring. It can also be psychologically strenuous because the care recipients are generally embarrassed that an adult has to give them a bath or dress them. Likewise, family caregivers are heartbroken from having to help their parents with tasks that they are no longer able to do independently.
If you are struggling to find a way to manage the personal care needs for a senior you love, the following 5 tips written by our Elder Care Professionals in Vancouver may help you:
5 Tips for Helping an Elder Bathe with Dignity | Senior Care Vancouver
1. Create a Bathing Schedule that Works for Everyone
While many of us enjoy a refreshing shower in the morning, before we head off to work or school, it might not be necessary for a senior with a fairly inactive lifestyle. All they may need is a daily sponge bath and a shower or full bath three times a week. This decision also does not have to be done unilaterally. Consult the care recipient, whenever possible, to see what they suggest. You may also wish to speak to the family physician/occupational therapist to see what they suggest.
2. Have Everything Ready in Advance
Before you commence any bathing process, have all the tools like sponges, towels, shampoos, conditioner, and brushes available and near the bathing area. Liquid soaps are handy as they can easily be pumped into a washcloth or sponge. Try to avoid using bar soaps as they can be slippery and lead to trips and falls in the bathtub or shower.
3. Don’t Rush!
If you as a caregiver feel rushed, defer the care recipient’s bath time until there is sufficient time. That way you can ensure that the elder does not feel anxious or hurried. Bath time need not be a hassle for caregivers or elders. Be safe and keep a steady hand on the lower side of the elder’s back to assist with balance.
4. Purchase Assistive Devices
If the care recipient is unable to use the regular tub or shower due to mobility issues and risk of falling, you could purchase specially designed basins for sponge baths in bed or hair trays to use while seated. Speak to a professionally trained occupational therapist for more accurate matches. Technology is so advanced these days that there is now an assistive device for everything and at an affordable price.
These assistive devices are also good for fostering independence in seniors. If you have a care recipient who insists on doing everything themselves, an assistive device will help them do the tasks with ease. Remember: Helping older adults remain involved in self-care for as long as they are able is vital to their quality of life.
5. Keep Conversations Natural and Relaxed
To avoid the care recipient feeling embarrassed, it is also recommended that caregivers keep the conversation both natural and relaxed. Talk about how they day went or is going, or maybe about an event that is taking place that day or week. Maintaining a casual atmosphere can help to redirect their attention away from the actual circumstances.
Ace Personnel | Professional Caregivers for Seniors & Homecare | Vancouver & Surre
ACE Personnel is a family owned and operated service founded in 1977 by Diane Anderson (“Mrs. A”). It began as a home based business and has since been devoted to helping the local community with childcare and home care solutions. Mrs. A took great pride in the fact that she was able to help others through elderly care and nanny placements. She took time to get to know her each of her clients and as a result developed lasting relationships with many of them.
Elderly Bathing and Personal Care: 5 Tips for Caregivers | Elder Care Vancouver
In elder care, personal care time is one of the most emotionally and physically exhausting times of the day for both the caregiver and the care recipient. It is physically exhausting in that it requires lifting and transferring. It can also be psychologically strenuous because the care recipients are generally embarrassed that an adult has to give them a bath or dress them. Likewise, family caregivers are heartbroken from having to help their parents with tasks that they are no longer able to do independently. If you are struggling to find a way to manage the personal care needs for a senior you love, the following 5 tips written by our Elder Care Professionals in Vancouver may help you:
5 Tips for Helping an Elder Bathe with Dignity | Senior Care Vancouver
1. Create a Bathing Schedule that Works for Everyone
While many of us enjoy a refreshing shower in the morning, before we head off to work or school, it might not be necessary for a senior with a fairly inactive lifestyle. All they may need is a daily sponge bath and a shower or full bath three times a week. This decision also does not have to be done unilaterally. Consult the care recipient, whenever possible, to see what they suggest. You may also wish to speak to the family physician/occupational therapist to see what they suggest.
2. Have Everything Ready in Advance
Before you commence any bathing process, have all the tools like sponges, towels, shampoos, conditioner, and brushes available and near the bathing area. Liquid soaps are handy as they can easily be pumped into a washcloth or sponge. Try to avoid using bar soaps as they can be slippery and lead to trips and falls in the bathtub or shower.
3. Don’t Rush!
If you as a caregiver feel rushed, defer the care recipient’s bath time until there is sufficient time. That way you can ensure that the elder does not feel anxious or hurried. Bath time need not be a hassle for caregivers or elders. Be safe and keep a steady hand on the lower side of the elder’s back to assist with balance.
4. Purchase Assistive Devices
If the care recipient is unable to use the regular tub or shower due to mobility issues and risk of falling, you could purchase specially designed basins for sponge baths in bed or hair trays to use while seated. Speak to a professionally trained occupational therapist for more accurate matches. Technology is so advanced these days that there is now an assistive device for everything and at an affordable price. These assistive devices are also good for fostering independence in seniors. If you have a care recipient who insists on doing everything themselves, an assistive device will help them do the tasks with ease. Remember: Helping older adults remain involved in self-care for as long as they are able is vital to their quality of life.
5. Keep Conversations Natural and Relaxed
To avoid the care recipient feeling embarrassed, it is also recommended that caregivers keep the conversation both natural and relaxed. Talk about how they day went or is going, or maybe about an event that is taking place that day or week. Maintaining a casual atmosphere can help to redirect their attention away from the actual circumstances.
Ace Personnel | Professional Caregivers for Seniors & Homecare | Vancouver & Surrey
ACE Personnel is a family owned and operated service founded in 1977 by Diane Anderson (“Mrs. A”). It began as a home based business and has since been devoted to helping the local community with childcare and home care solutions. Mrs. A took great pride in the fact that she was able to help others through elderly care and nanny placements. She took time to get to know her each of her clients and as a result developed lasting relationships with many of them. Contact us today if you are looking for a professional caregiver or homecare for your loved one.
