Difficulties of Getting an Adult Parent to Shower Frequently

Are You Having Issues Getting Your Elderly Loved One to Bathe on a Daily Basis?

If so, you’re not alone. It probably won’t surprise you to hear that many elderly people resist the need to take baths or showers on a daily basis. And there are many reasons for this. On AgingCare.com, Carol Bradley Bursack explains that, oftentimes, a battle with depression causes elders to lose interest in staying clean or wearing clean clothes.

She notes that a decreased sense of sight and smell is another factor contributing to why our elderly place diminished importance on regular bathing. Memory is another factor, says Bursack. In many cases, our elders forget how long it has been since they last bathed. And in other cases, their memories recall times when they were younger and daily bathing wasn’t considered necessary.

What Is the Most Prevalent Factor Preventing Our Elders from Wanting to Bathe?

Arguably, it’s a combination of fear and discomfort. Especially for those who experience mobility issues that make it difficult to bathe alone, a wish to minimize the number of showers one takes is common. Among the biggest fears for those with mobility issues is the fear of slipping in the tub. Bursack also notes that experiencing discomfort with getting in and out of the tub is another reason why our elderly loved ones may refuse baths or showers.

In The Huffington Post, registered nurse, Natalie Strouth adds that our elders are often uncomfortable with the lack of privacy they have when they are in need of caregivers. No longer being able to bathe independently is among the top reasons an elderly loved one may lose interest in hygiene upkeep. To remedy this, Strouth recommends to caregivers that they allow for as much privacy as possible.

“One way to help is to have the person wrap a towel around themselves, and then clip the towel with a clothespin or attach velcro tabs to the towel,” she suggests, “A long, plastic apron can also be worn in the tub or shower for additional privacy.”

Strouth goes on to suggest that caregivers stop themselves from doing things their loved ones may be able to do on their own. “For example, someone may be capable of taking a bath independently, but needs your help with washing his or her back,” she writes, “Take your lead from the person as to how much or how little to help out.”

How Does the Shower Bay Portable Shower Help to Restore Your Loved One’s Dignity?

The Shower Bay eliminates many of the reasons for the fear and depression felt by our elders as it relates to their bathing routines. The fear of slipping in the bathtub or having trouble getting in and out of the tub is no longer necessary as the Shower Bay allows for users to easily enter and exit while sitting in shower wheelchairs. There is no need for having to get up or having to be lifted in and out of the tub. The user can remain seated in the shower wheelchair and enjoy their relaxing shower without anxiety.

As well, Shower Bay offers a renewed sense of privacy as users may shower themselves without the help of caregivers. With the door closed behind the user while he or she sits in a wheelchair, full and thorough showers with running water can be enjoyed safely and securely – and without the loss of dignity that often comes with having to endure sponge baths.

At Forward Day, we’re extremely proud to know how many of our customers have been able to enjoy their independence and restore self-confidence thanks to our Shower Bay portable showers. If you have any questions about Shower Bay, please don’t hesitate to contact us to ask them. Give us a call at 1-877-223-8999 or email us at info@showerbay.com.