Daily showers or baths are unnecessary in older adults. Aging skin tends to be drier and also thins out. Too many showers, especially with harsher shower gels and bar soap, can dry the skin even more. Unless your dad is particularly sweaty, it’s okay to set one morning aside for a bath.
When it is bath day, what can you do to make it go smoothly? This checklist will help you get through his shower with less stress. If you are uncomfortable helping your senior parent with tasks like bathing, it’s time to consider personal care at home to support your senior.
Set Up the Shower Seat
Your dad cannot stand for long, so showers are safer if he has a shower seat to sit on. Look for models that are adjustable and have rubberized suction cups to keep them from sliding. If he struggles to lift his leg over the edge of the bathtub, a sliding transfer chair is worth your time.
Warm Up the Room
Your dad probably hates feeling cold. If you heat the bathroom first, he won’t experience cold drafts when he’s damp and waiting to get into his clothes for the day.
Add Music if it Soothes Him
Does your dad relax when there is music playing? Bring in a radio or Bluetooth speaker and play music while he has his bath or shower. With a service like Spotify or Pandora, it’s simple to choose his favorite artists and play the music he likes.
Bring in Extra Towels and a Terry Robe
When your dad isn’t being washed, he needs something to wrap up in. Large bath sheets or a terry robe provide the coverage that will help him feel more comfortable. Uncover what needs to be washed, and keep the rest of him covered.
Fill a Waterproof Caddy With His Bath Products
Fill a waterproof caddy with your dad’s preferred bath and shower products. When shopping for soap or body wash, look for products that contain moisturizers like coconut oil, shea butter, or goat’s milk. Avoid parabens and sulfates and perfumes.
An in-shower moisturizer is easy to apply and helps trap moisture in his skin. This lowers the risk of dry, cracked skin which increases his risk of an infection.
Consider sponge or shower poofs that are on a handle. You both might feel more comfortable if there’s a little distance between your hand and his body. If you’re not too worried, a washcloth mitt or glove is helpful. A hand-held shower wand is one of the best devices to have available.
If he is especially distressed when you help him shower, ask if he’d prefer to have a trained personal care at home aide. It might make him feel better to have someone else helping him with personal care. A personal care at home advisor can help you make the necessary arrangements and learn more about the prices for the services your dad needs.
If you or an aging loved one is considering personal care at home in Moraga, CA, please contact the caring staff at Provident Care Home Care today at (209) 578-1210.
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