I feel uncomfortable changing Dad's diapers. How do I change them?

Providing physical care for a parent is not always a solution for each family. It is on a case by case basis. Please do not feel guilty if you are not able to provide this care yourself. I would ask you to consider if you want to provide this type of care for your father. If so, you may want to ask your dad's physician about the possibility of wring an order for a home health nurse. This would be covered by insurance if your dad has a medical need (maybe assistance with getting a med regimen started, or a need for home therapy, etc. An aide would be provided during the home health care episode and you could work with this individual to learn how to provide the care.

Also working with the physician to determine the cause of why your dad no longer has the strength to provide this type of care himself should be addressed if he has not seen the MD recently.

If you are not comfortable providing the care, then it would be wise to get a home health aide to come and help. This will be private pay, but it your dad meets income requirements there may be other assistance out there to help pay for the care.

Good luck to you in your journey.

gypsy, I know just how you feel. The best advice , I can offer is -- gloves ( throwaways ) They are very cheap and it feels a little less personal to both parties. God bless

At first it's really uncomfortable but you do get used to it. I have been taking care of my mom for about 4yrs now, I do things I never thought I would be able to.

This can be really awkward whether you are a man of a woman. Some people are really not comfortable with seeing other people’s private parts as well as touching or having to clean them. Try for another week or so but if you could not really adjust to this awkward feeling, then you have other options. Do you have someone else in your household that can do that task for you? Ask them, if there is not one the best way to address this is to have a professional to do it. Of course this will include professional fees but if you are really uncomfortable in doing so, this is the best option that you have.

I had to do this a few times, hated it, too. Sounds like it'd be best to hire caregivers or nursing home. Assisted Livings center, most require their resident to be continent and or able to change themselves.

gypsy, if your father is unable to change is own diapers, that also means he wouldn't be able to bathe himself, either. You might want to think about hiring a full-time Caregiver who does this type of caregiving on a regular basis, or as Pam had mentioned above, time for a nursing facility.

He is not comfortable about it either. He might be happier in a Nursing Home. Good god I don't want my kids to have to do this.