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How hot should the water be

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Hi, queensemeta,

You didn't say if your loved one has dementia but no matter, when bathing the elderly you must consider keeping them warm, helping to preserve their modesty and taking good care of the skin. In nursing homes, clients are given a total bath only three days a week. Washing at other times is what we used to call a "Kittie Bath" - just bathing with a soft, warm rag and a little waterless soap those areas that need cleaning such as underarms and bottom area. A no-rinse cleanser you can buy is Septi-Soft it has a soybean-oil base for keeping skin hydrated. As you age your skin dries out and soaping it every day can bring on more problems if not done with caution. Water temperature should be that which is most comfortable to the person - I start my mom out with water that feels just right to me and she tells me whether it needs to be adjusted.

Here is a synopsis of an article from the American Journal of Nursing on technique:
Most nurses and CNAs are taught to start a bath at the head and work down because it's assumed that the head and face are cleaner than other areas. But for people with dementia, water dripping in the face and having the head wet are generally the most upsetting parts of the bath; this causes distress at the beginning of the bath. One alternative is to wash the face and hair at the end of the bath or at another time. Another is to use no-rinse products that can shorten and simplify bathing. Infection-control concerns can be addressed by the caregiver washing her hands and using a fresh, clean cloth after cleansing a part of the body that might cause contamination. Although many have been taught to cover the person during a shower or tub bath, few actually do this, possibly leaving the person cold and feeling exposed, embarrassed, and without dignity. Covering the person with a towel and washing beneath it alleviates this distress. These changes are simple, practical, and do not increase the length of bathing time.

Washing time should be that which is sufficient to get the job done; no long showers or baths; long enough to make sure the person is well rinsed and moisturized.
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I feel a short 5 to 10 minute shower to bath the person is sufficient to keep them clean.
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I assume you are talking tub bath? Keep in mind that a lot of elderly have a big dislike for bathing as they get older, so you should try to make the experience as pleasant as possible. Just roll up your sleeves and get the job done.....in other words don't let them talk you out of it! They chill easily so make the room as warm as possible and get everything you will need and have it ready. That way you won't have to leave them alone to go get something. Have nice "smelly" soaps and lotions for moms, they like that. I would have a towel to drape around my mil's shoulders while waiting for the tub to fill and empty....she had a handicapped tub with the door. You want the water warm, not hot, their skin is more sensitive. Doesn't take but a few minutes to soap them up, rinse them off and get them out to be dried quickly and put in a robe for warmth. Job done and at least one of you smells really nice! It won't take long to get a routine down and this whole thing can be done in a matter of minutes.
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I shower my wife daily as that has always been our routine (she is now level 7). I installed a walk in shower with a hand shower head on a 5 ft or so flexible hose. I set the water temp first and then assist her into the shower. I then ask her to tell me how the temp is before I let it touch her and then wash her hair, ears and face all the time keeping up a line of conversation to keep her thoughts occupied. Normally I will be making plans for the day and asking her input (although she always says she doesn’t care). This continues until she is out, dry and dressed. I have a small electric heater that I use in the winter but bathing only takes 15 minutes.
I guess I should also mention that my wife is small (under 100 lbs) and is fairly cheerful and easy to work with.
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There are a lot of factors to consider. Tolerance, need, type of bath (sponge, bath tub, shower, whirl pool, etc) ....
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Hello Queen, my Mom is in late stage dementia/alz and its a 3 hour journey each morning. I hoyer her up into her wheelchair and give her pills and 10 oz coffee with miralax. We then roll into the bathroom onto the toilet. I wash her from head to toe daily with warm water wash and rinse buckets, towel dry with a powdered towel , and dress her. Then into wheelchair and over to sink where I shampoo her with a washcloth with shampoo/water/shampoo and rinse with fine tooth comb and blow dry. I then shave her and off we go to the kitchen to eat breakfast. She is 90 and has never had a sore spot on her skin and wakes up drenched with urine. During the entire process I sing to her and we get through it much easier that way. If I am not feeling well or I have to go out early, I have the thick comfort no rinse disposible bath cloths which you heat in the microwave, they're fabulous but a little bit expensive. Best of luck to you.
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My mom prefers showers to baths (so do I!) and I have a nice step in shower. I do her hair every other day and shower her daily. She loves it!! She is like a small child who is delighted to get the personal attention. She chatters away the whole time. I use warm water so not to burn her (she does have diabetes too and might not feel if the water is too hot). It is like bathing one of the kids. I have adopted special needs kids so am pretty good at bathing. My grandmother lived with us until she died and was bedridden so she mostly got very thorough bed baths.

Depending in how much your loved one actually enjoys bathing, you can make it quick or more luxurious. Just be sure to thoroughly clean the person because they are often unable to do a thorough cleaning. I dry mom off and use body lotion on her, powder her, and dress her. She thinks she is at a spa sometimes! Sometimes I will light candles and put on soft classical music and have a vase of pretty flowers in the room to enhance that feeling for her.
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Excellent suggestions everyone. Remember that it really depends on the person. But in general as we age our skin is more fragile. And think of this!! Have they been outdoors or indoors working up a sweat??? We want to keep all the areas of skin clean, especially if a person has no or little control over bowel or bladder. But in general a full shower or bath does not have to be done daily. Also, you may wash their hair in the sink with them tipped back. There are different types of devices available to assist with this. Or if they can afford it take them to the beauty parlor or beauty school once a week! They may feel like they are being treated like royalty!
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Alot of great tips on here. In addition, depending on the person preference of a shower or tub. make sure their is a non-slipped protector on the bottom of the tub n you may need to put a hand-rail suction cup for them to have something to grab onto as they get in and out. Denpending on their stage, my mil can give herself a bath pretty much n I help with the hair n constantly checking on her n of course with a tap on the door to give them respect n help keep their diginity. She only takes a bath once a wk for she don't get outside n do a lot and that is all she will tolerate for she can be a pistol at times. I do have to get her clothes for she will put back on the dirty ones if I don't n I do set the water tub all ready with a wash rag n such. As for washing hair, well that is a challenging so I take her to the beauty parlor when possible or a dry shampoo from the store. Good luck.
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Opps! bathing time no more than 5 - 10 minuets is what it takes for my mil.
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