Bathing - any ideas or helpful hints on how to get your 80 yr old mother to want to shower or bathe?

Ginnybg, I have noticed for myself that taking a shower is like going to the gym for a work out. It can be very exhausting for many seniors. Especially more so if one has memory issues, and/or mobility issues, etc.

Another thing, some seniors become claustrophobic when in a shower. Especially if there are glass doors. I know for myself, I need to keep the far door open a couple of feet. Sitting in the tub works but it is a major chore getting in to sit down, and more so trying to get up :P

Then there is the fear of falling. If your love one is using a moisturizing liquid soap and/or hair conditioners, it will make the floor of the tub/shower feel like an ice rink, even with a tub mat inside. I almost slipped the other day.

Towel drying isn't easy. I find myself hopping around trying to get one foot and leg dry, can be a challenge. So easy to get one's feet tangled up in the towel.

A parent doesn't need to shower daily, twice a week or once a week is good enough, unless they are doing hard labor. If a parent is a Depends wearer, baby wipes work quite well between showers. Recently I found a product called “Water Wipes” in the baby section, quite pleased with the wipes.

A bathroom heater, adjustable shower chair with a back (and arms if you can find one), grab bars, and a hand held shower can make the task more senior friendly.