How To Bathe An Elderly Person

Hello Viv here again Sharing my Top 5 tips for assisting the elderly with bathing issues
#1 Empathy
Many elderly already feel a loss of control and power. Put yourselves in their shoes Imagine if someone TOLD you when to have a shower. You’ve been showering yourself for years and now someone has to help you with this very personal and private task Feelings of helplessness and humiliation anger and frustration would likely surface Show EMPATHY for your care recipient #2 Body Language
Body language is very important Crouch down below their eye level so they can see you comfortably and so they are in the dominant position.
Allow their hand to rest atop of yours placing them again in the dominant position. Keep your tone gentle as you discuss the process with them. #3 Give them control
Use the words You-Tell-Me as often as you can. You-Tell-Me if you want help undressing You-Tell-Me if the water feels right You-Tell-Me when you’re ready to get in the bath It is likely they will need help undressing or prompting to get under the water Don't automatically take control of those tasks.   Help   them to feel in control If they feel empowered they are more likely to be cooperative than if they are feeling forced. #4 Preserve Dignity
Babies will often cry when their clothes are removed before a bath. Lying there vulnerable and exposed is unnerving for them. But once they are wrapped up and warm their crying abates
The elderly can often feel that same sense of vulnerability But rather than cry they may act out
Think ahead so that throughout the bathing process, they never feel vulnerable and exposed. Have warm towels within reach to cover their upper body once undressed The same for their lower body Do not wait until they are fully undressed before you cover them.
When bathing an elderly person they should always feel respected & reassured #5 Room Temperature
Have you ever undressed in a cold room? You become reluctant to get undressed and wait freezing until you can get under a warm shower Think how much more the elderly feel the cold Whatever room you are undressing them in make sure it is warm and cozy. For more tips on assisting elderly loved ones go to gravitymobilityaids.com