[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_line_height_tablet=”” text_line_height_phone=”” text_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” ul_line_height_tablet=”” ul_line_height_phone=”2.5em” ul_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Personal hygiene can be a very sticky subject to discuss with elderly parents. I am lucky with my mom, as I do the laundry, I buy all the\u00a0 groceries she needs, and living with her, I know if she has showered or not. And to be honest, I usually just say to her “shall I set up the bathroom for you to shower” and she’s off joyfully splashing around in the bathroom. But I know, for a lot of you, it’s not that simple.<\/p>\n
So I have put together my 48+ caregiver tips for elderly hygiene and care from ten years of doing this for both of my parents. From how to approach the subject with your parents, what to do, and how to support them in doing this.<\/strong> What are the causes of poor hygiene ?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n How do I talk to my parent about hygiene ?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n How do I find a way to ask about my parent’s hygiene if I fell they may not like it ?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n How often should an elderly person bathe ?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Bathroom safety products<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Elderly hygiene products<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n My parent wants me to wash them, how do I do that ? Personal hygiene checklist<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n Dementia and hygiene issues<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Alzheimer’s hygiene products<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Round Up<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_text module_id=”hygieneissueshygiene” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_line_height_tablet=”” text_line_height_phone=”” text_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” ul_line_height_tablet=”” ul_line_height_phone=”2.5em” ul_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Quite simply, the cost of bathing and laundry may be too high for seniors who have very little financial resources, and they cut back where they can on their spending.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As a person gets older, they move and do things more and more slowly, and in the end they may just feel there isn’t enough time in the day to get it all done. It then becomes a question of priorities, and they just may not place bathing at the top.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Catching cold is a real problem for the elderly.<\/p>\n I know from when I had to help my father shower, he would always catch cold, and we used to have fan heaters wafting warm air into the bathroom, and get him immediately into a heavy towel bathrobe and off to an extra warm bedroom.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Fatigue becomes a big problem as well. I have noticed this with my mom.<\/p>\n Not only does she not have enough time in the day, but she complains a lot of simply having no energy to get things done, and also just running out of energy after a few simple things.<\/p>\n So, your loved ones may simply not have the energy to go through the whole bathing ritual every day.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As mobility decreases, and stiffness and pain increases, some of our parents can become very much afraid of falling in the bathroom.<\/p>\n And this is not without reason, as it is the most dangerous room in the house, with 80% of all falls occurring there.<\/p>\n This fear can lead to elderly parents bathing, and showering, far less frequently than they normally would do so.<\/p>\n If you haven’t yet done so, take a look at my article on bathroom safety. It’s crammed with practical tips and suggestions for equipment which can make the bathroom a far safer place<\/strong> –\u00a054 bathroom safety tips for seniors – A helpful guide<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_line_height_tablet=”” text_line_height_phone=”” text_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” ul_line_height_tablet=”” ul_line_height_phone=”2.5em” ul_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n If your parent needs to have help with their personal hygiene this can lead them to feeling undignified, and being very reluctant to wash.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n With conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and with knee and hip problems, they can be very debilitating, and make washing in a bathtub, or shower, too painful. In such cases, sponge baths may be far simpler and more comfortable.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Elderly parents may suffer from depression, and simply be losing interest in the hobbies and activities, in which they once delighted.<\/p>\n Depression can also be a reaction to medications that seniors have been given for age-related illnesses, or they may be scared of growing old, as they see their friends slowly die off around them.<\/p>\n There can be many causes, and if you suspect this, you need to address these concerns to their doctors.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Your loved ones may be among the millions of elderly suffering from short term memory loss.<\/p>\n This can be remedied, to some degree, by them having a chart with a schedule, on which they record their bathing etc.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you are having to repeatedly address the problems of your parent’s personal hygiene, and they continue to ignore you, they may simply\u00a0 fear that they’re losing control of their lives.<\/p>\n You must try to support them in what it is they want to do.<\/p>\n You may find, that they would prefer a sponge bath.<\/p>\n Try to find an alternative way of doing things, and sometimes you have to accept that they may not bathe for a day or two.<\/p>\n If it goes on for too long, you may need to bring in their doctor to speak with them.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Many elderly parents will suffer, to some extent, from a loss of sight and of hearing, which can make moving around very difficult indeed.<\/p>\n The speed at which they move will also cause them to take inordinate amounts of time to complete even the simplest of tasks.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n With age, your loved one’s senses will dull, and as a result your loved one may be completely unaware that they don’t smell quite so fresh, or that their clothes may be a bit off as well.<\/p>\n This dulling of the senses, combined with the monotony of one day blending into the next, if their routine is very dull,<\/strong> can explain why they may not realize how many days have passed since the last bathing experience.<\/p>\n You may simply be able to help your parent to keep some kind of schedule, as I suggested before, where they mark down their last bath etc.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Cognitive disorders<\/p>\n If your loved one is suffering from some form of dementia, or other form of cognitive disorder<\/strong>, you will need to proceed very slowly with them.<\/p>\n There will of course come a time when you can no longer handle their care, and the need for professionals who are trained in helping people with dementia will be required.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”hygieneissuestalk” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_line_height_tablet=”” text_line_height_phone=”” text_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” ul_line_height_tablet=”” ul_line_height_phone=”2.5em” ul_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I feel the best approach, and this is not my idea, but one that I think most professional carers have been taught, is that you must make it abundantly clear to you loved one that you are not trying to interfere, or take control, but rather to support them in maintaining their independence.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Very often, if you feel that your elderly parent is not being very careful about their personal hygiene, you will be worried that they are somehow not okay. But you need to curb this way of thinking.<\/p>\n Your parent may be perfectly alright, but due to a lack of energy they just have different priorities, as to what needs to be done.<\/p>\n Getting the bills paid and posting the mail has taken their energy, and today there isn’t enough left for taking a shower.<\/p>\n Don’t judge them, they may just be prioritizing what they do with their time – everything takes longer and longer the older you get.<\/p>\n Remember this before you start asking your questions, it isn’t all doom and gloom.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Personal hygiene is very much fundamental to maintaining an individual’s independence. Activities such as bathing and washing the laundry, when they become very difficult, or too difficult to do, threaten your elderly loved one’s very independence.<\/p>\n This is why you have to go so slowly, as they may feel very much under threat.<\/p>\n The idea for your loved one that they may need help and supervision, and that they may be losing control, can be really difficult for them to face.\u00a0And pretty darn scary too.<\/span><\/p>\n You have to go very slowly with your approach to make sure they won’t react badly.<\/p>\n It is also an issue of a person being allowed to maintain their dignity, and to not feel as though they are being found to be dirty.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I would suggest that once you have found that your parent may need help with their hygiene, you find ways of starting the conversation bearing in mind that you are saying to them –<\/p>\n “What do you need me to do for you ?”<\/strong><\/p>\n This is the best approach to take.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”hygieneissuesfind” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_line_height_tablet=”” text_line_height_phone=”” text_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” ul_line_height_tablet=”” ul_line_height_phone=”2.5em” ul_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you need to take a slightly indirect route, for fear of your loved one over reacting to questions about personal hygiene, I have a few suggestions of how to do this.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I would suggest that you ask to go to the bathroom, and while there, just take a look around and see if things may be difficult for your parent to navigate.<\/p>\n On returning to talk with your parent, you can say that you are a little worried that the bath, or the shower, may be a bit dangerous for them, and can you perhaps get them some equipment to make it all a bit safer ?<\/p>\n You must emphasize that you are worried about their safety, and not that you think they aren’t washing.<\/p>\n If your parent isn’t washing because they are scared of falling in the bathroom, they may tell you now, as you have opened the door to that conversation.<\/p>\n You can of course just say to them that you worry about them falling, and you would like to help make it safer, it’s an indirect way of approaching asking why they aren’t washing.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you think that their laundry doesn’t look washed and is smelling, you can always just find a way of offering to help them with that.<\/p>\n You can always ask if the washing machine is working properly, and if they ask why, you can say that there are some light stains on something – there is no need to go overboard.<\/p>\n You can even suggest they try another detergent, go buy something for them, and then offer to do the laundry with them, so you can see the results together.<\/p>\n And, of course, you can just ask them if they have the energy for doing all the household chores, and maybe offer to pick up their laundry and to do it with yours to save them time.<\/p>\n If their washing machines are in the basement, you can say that you are worried about them on the stairs, and offer to take it home to do it for them.<\/p>\n You will, of course, have to work out how you do it, but there are so many ways to do it with tact, and to do it gently.<\/p>\n You should always be asking, “What do you need me to do for you ?”<\/p>\n If your parents don’t accept help straight away, and you don’t pester them, they will usually come around.<\/p>\n And just say it’s because you worry about them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”hygieneissuesoften” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_line_height_tablet=”” text_line_height_phone=”” text_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” ul_line_height_tablet=”” ul_line_height_phone=”2.5em” ul_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Before you decide that you are going to discuss your parent’s personal hygiene with them, you should really know a little something about it, and what is considered to be enough bathing, or washing, to avoid health problems developing.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_line_height_tablet=”” text_line_height_phone=”” text_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” ul_line_height_tablet=”” ul_line_height_phone=”2.5em” ul_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Everything I have read about the subject of the frequency of bathing, says that once, or twice a week, is fine for someone who is not incontinent.<\/p>\n As your parent gets older their skin produces fewer oils, becomes thinner and tears more easily, so you don’t want to overdo the washing, and have them damage their skin.<\/p>\n You may have noticed how easily seniors get bruises on their skin. This is a sign of the skin becoming thinner and more delicate.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n With incontinence the issue is not so much bathing, as it is washing the skin which has gotten wet to avoid infections, and not letting people stay sitting in dirty diapers.<\/p>\n If your parent is incontinent, they will need the wiping and washing of their private parts, to be dried and changed into fresh diapers every time.<\/p>\n For women, there is also the added issue of UTI’s, which are much more common. Women should be cleaning themselves from front to back, to avoid getting infections, caused by fecal matter getting into the urethra.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It’s a good idea to be using very mild soaps without a lot of products that have been added.<\/p>\n You can find soaps for sensitive skin, and also mild soaps for babies.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If for any reason your parent doesn’t want to bathe in the bathtub, or take a shower, a sponge bath, or a flannel bath is perfectly adequate.<\/p>\n Baths of this kind also permit your parents to wash their private parts themselves, as they will be lying down our reclined, and can’t fall over.<\/p>\n You may see that they find this a little less stressful.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”hygieneissuesproducts” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_line_height_tablet=”” text_line_height_phone=”” text_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” ul_line_height_tablet=”” ul_line_height_phone=”2.5em” ul_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The best way of dealing with the risks involved with bathing, or showering, for an elderly person is to help them eliminate as many as possible.<\/p>\n As I wrote earlier that I have an article with different types of safety equipment with the suppliers names that you can look for on the internet. You can read that article if you click<\/strong> here.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_line_height_tablet=”” text_line_height_phone=”” text_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” ul_line_height_tablet=”” ul_line_height_phone=”2.5em” ul_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n You can get non-slip products which will help reduce the risks of falling.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You can find lots of non-slip mats, which are also mold and mildew resistant, to place in the shower or bathtub.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Get rid of any rugs with thick curled up edges, and any objects which simply are creating a tripping hazard – clear out all superfluous “stuff”.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n One of the best pieces of equipment is the grab bar – bars or rails that you can attach to the walls, which your loved ones can hold onto to stop themselves from falling.<\/p>\n There are vertical clamp-on bars for the sides of bathtubs, floor-to-ceiling poles which can be placed anywhere, bars which stick out horizontally from the wall, but that can be folded back up close to the wall, and all manner of bars that you can attach in the shower.<\/p>\n Personally, I would stay away from the grab bars which attach by suction, as I have had three different ones come off the wall when I was holding onto them. I just don’t think they are very safe.<\/p>\n I am also going to mention frames which you can place around the toilet here as well. Your loved one may be having trouble getting on and off the toilet, so you can put a frame there that has arms for them to hold onto.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you are finding it hard to pay for all the home improvements required, I have articles about what durable equipment Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Benefits and State plans will pay for. In particular, I have an article on bathroom safety equipment –<\/strong> Does Medicare pay for bathroom safety equipment ?<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you can afford one, a walk in bathtub is probably your loved one’s dream solution to bathing and showering.<\/p>\n There are no difficult steps, there is a seat (get the design which suits your parents needs), and they can come with a shower unit as well.<\/p>\n The risk of falling is dramatically reduced in a walk in bathtub, and your loved one can really relax to enjoy their washing.<\/p>\n
\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Contents Overview & Quicklinks” open=”on” open_toggle_text_color=”#005bdb” icon_color=”#005bdb” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#005bdb” body_ul_font=”||||||||” body_ul_text_color=”#59bdd6″ background_color=”rgba(190,229,247,0.47)” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#0b00ea” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\nWhat are the causes of poor hygiene ?<\/h2>\n
Tip #1<\/h4>\n
Cost<\/h3>\n
Tip #2<\/h4>\n
Not enough time in the day<\/h3>\n
Tip #3<\/h4>\n
Catching cold<\/h3>\n
Tip #4<\/h4>\n
Lack of energy<\/h3>\n
Tip #5<\/h4>\n
Fear<\/h3>\n
Tip #6<\/h4>\n
Loss of Dignity<\/h3>\n
Tip #7<\/h4>\n
Pain and mobility<\/h3>\n
Tip #8<\/h4>\n
Depression<\/h3>\n
Tip #9<\/h4>\n
Memory Loss<\/h3>\n
Tip #10<\/h4>\n
Fear of losing control<\/h3>\n
Tip #11<\/h4>\n
Sight and hearing<\/h3>\n
This can be a very common reason as to why they are bathing or showering less.\u00a0<\/h4>\n
Tip #12<\/h4>\n
Loss of sense of smell<\/h3>\n
Tip #13<\/h4>\n
How do I talk to my parent about hygiene ?<\/h2>\n
Tip #14<\/h4>\n
You are there to give support<\/h3>\n
Tip #15<\/h4>\n
Is everything okay ? Don’t ask this straight away<\/h3>\n
Tip #16<\/h4>\n
Why is it so delicate a topic ?<\/h3>\n
Tip #17<\/h4>\n
What do you need me to do for you ?<\/h3>\n
How do I find a way to ask about my parent’s hygiene if I feel they may not like it ?<\/h2>\n
Tip #18<\/h4>\n
The bathroom safety check<\/h3>\n
Tip #19<\/h4>\n
The laundry<\/h3>\n
How often should an elderly person bathe ?<\/h2>\n
Tip #20<\/h4>\n
How much bathing is recognized as a minimum ?<\/h3>\n
Tip #21<\/h4>\n
If my parent is incontinent, how often should they bathe ?<\/h3>\n
Tip #22<\/h4>\n
Does my parent need special bathing products ?<\/h3>\n
Tip #23<\/h4>\n
Does my parent need a complete bath or shower ?<\/h3>\n
Bathroom safety products<\/h2>\n
Tip #24<\/h4>\n
Non slip treads and tape<\/h3>\n
Tip #25<\/h4>\n
Non-slip shower and bathmats<\/h3>\n
Tip #26<\/h4>\n
Remove any obstacles from the floor<\/h3>\n
Tip #27<\/h4>\n
Grab bars<\/h3>\n
Tip #28<\/h4>\n
Walk in bathtubs<\/h3>\n