Getting an older adult to bathe is a struggle for many family caregivers. One of the most common problems that senior citizens have is whether or not they’re willing to take a bath. They may feel it’s not necessary, but more often than not it’s simply due to fear. Fear of water, falling, being cold, or even fearing a loss of dignity can all cause a senior to shy away from wanting to take a bath.

While seniors don’t actually need to bathe every day, it is important that they do at least once a week. Whether they want to or not, bathing is important for seniors to prevent skin irritations or infections and UTIs. A UTI for an older adult can be quite serious. The infection can more quickly spread to the kidneys in the elderly with weaker immune systems. Not bathing often enough can also cause seniors to get itchy or develop rashes.

Getting Elderly to Bathe

Seniors and family caregivers often fight about bathing. It can sometimes be difficult to convince them to bathe on a regular basis but it is important that they do. As mentioned before, it’s not necessary that they bathe every day. It’s also not necessary that they bathe with running water. While a shower or bath would be more efficient and convenient, if your parent or loved one refused those options or has limited mobility, a sponge bath can do the trick.

Avoid changing their routine if possible. They will be more willing to bathe if they are sticking to what they’re used to, whether or not that’s the frequency or bath vs shower. Also, making the experience as comfortable for them as possible will make it much easier the next time. It will help to alleviate their fears or discomforts and make them less resistant to future bathings.

Get Assistance with Senior Personal Care from the Leading Home Care Providers in Wichita, KS

Does your senior loved one need assistance with personal care? Call (316) 691-5050 and talk to one of our staff at Progressive Care. We are one of Kansas’s largest home care providers and offer daily 24-hour living assistance, including nighttime watch, and personal care.