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capecod Asked August 2010

How much attention is given to daily dressing and hygiene care in assisted living facilities?

LynnPO Aug 2010
It all depends on the facility and how much they care about their patients. Some assisted living facilities charge one rate for everything no matter how much assistance a resident needs. Others nickle and dime on a fee-for-service basis.

My Mom's in a nursing home with a roomate and they have a set routine every morning - up, toilet, wash hands and face, rinse teeth, brush hair, dress and to breakfast. A couple of aides work with both mom and her room mate at the same time so it goes quickly.

As far as nursing homes go, if i saw my mom sitting in her night clothes with unkempt hair and nasty dentures - I'd have a come-so-jesus meeting with the staff (family conference) then call the state and report abuse. Finding a resident in such a state means that 1 - they don't have enough staff, or 2 - she'd been ill and it should have been reported to you. Calling ahead only means it;s done before you visit - such care should be provided DAILY.

Regarding daily showers or baths, this isn't a good idea for elderly people. Their skin becomes quite thin and delicate, easily dries out and can be damaged by too much moisture.

lach61 Aug 2010
Hi Capecod,

I hate to say it, but I don't think much time is spent on daily care or personal hygiene, unless it happens to be a shower (maybe more time is given). The first time I went up to the Nursing Home to visit my MIL (it had been 3 weeks)--her hair wasn't combed & her front teeth looked like
she had cavities (gray color) running up & down thru her front teeth. She didn't have her day clothes on (even though it was 3 pm). I saw her a week later, and her front teeth didn't look like cavities were running up & down the teeth.

Maybe, call ahead & they'll make sure to dress her & give her extra-special care (but I really would expect to not have to ask them to make sure 'this and that' is done).

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BMC Aug 2010
Hands on assistance with dressing and hygiene is an extra charge and each facility will be different on the amount of time allocated for it.

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