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My mother doesn't want to bath. She says she isn't dirty. I try to explain to her that she needs to bath regularly to prevent any kind of sores or staff. Does anyone have any suggestions?

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Many elderly become afraid of falling while taking a shower or bath. They tend to be very independent not wanting help for others especially non family. There are pre moistened bath wash clothes you can purchase, cottonelle and others for this purpose. An Elder does not need to bathe daily, usualy once a week is enough. Sometimes an elder will be more willing to bathe with the help of a caregiver that comes in home once a week to do it. Parents tend to give their children a harder time about this issue than they will a health care aide. As far as the pre moistened wash clothes go, you can bathe their upper body one day and the lower body another day. These wipes are designed so no rinsing is required. There are also shampoos that are a dry shampoo. It is probably best to get someone who is experienced with the elderly to come in and bathe her. Good luck!!
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My FIL also refused to shower and insisted that he didn't stink. We tried hiring a visiting nurse that was male, thinking this would be the answer, but he refused to let the guy in. We then hired an experienced female caregiver. She had extensive experience working with the elderly with dementia. She was great. She not only got him into that shower, he seemed to enjoy her attention. She didn't ask or cajole, she just said, "We're going to take a shower now", and she proceeded to get him ready and put him in. He even asked us if we thought her husband would be jealous that she was showering with him. Obviously, she was not showering WITH him, but cleaning him up in the shower. However, he became very cooperative with her. She knew her stuff and how to get him to cooperate. If you can afford it, I would highly recommend finding someone with experience to take over this task.
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I'm having the same problem with my mother-in-law. She smells so terrible we had to buy an air purifier, even though she insists she is perfectly clean. She hasn't bathed in ages and there is nothing we can do to change her mind. I don't know if this will work for you, it didn't for me, but you might try a sponge bath with her in a bathrobe or wrapped in a towel for modesty sake, which seems to be a problem when bathing seniors. You can take an arm out , wash and dry it, then help put her arm through the sleeve. She can wash her private parts herself. You might even consider hiring someone to come in to help her bathe. She might feel less embarrassed having someone outside the family. Good luck!
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Yep we installed all the equipment as well, not much help here. As a matter of fact today is day 5 and after dinner it must be done!
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my mom also has this issue.She got a terrible fungus under her breasts.She smelled soo bad we did not want her in our car either,she got very very angrybut we told her no showers,no outings.I offered to help her,we have a mat and grab bars already.But she did get in..first time in weeks.I keep at her every day.I hate to do it,but no choice.
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This has been an ongoing battle here. Compounded by mild bowel incontinence and a man who does not think he stinks. We have tried cajoling him, insisting writing on the calendar having the doctor speak with him (several actually) and on and on. The only thing that seemed to help was an addition of Cerefolon NAC to his meds ( it is actually a vitamin supplement by prescription) . Supposed to help with mild dementia, I dunno, but it is so embarrassing . A non family member actually called the house and said he was not allowed in her car or at any of their family functions because of the odor. It's a very small house and very annoying as I am a very fussy housekeeper.
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We found out mom wasn't bathing when she got a skin fungus. Her MD recommended an occupational therapist, who instructed us to install grab bars, a skid proof mat and a shower chair and showed her how to safely use the tub. Talk with the doctor and make sure she bathes once a week, like it or not.
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