A regular personal care routine not only allows us to maintain good hygiene, but also helps us feel better. Regular bathing keeps our skin, hair and nails clean and healthy, contributing to a more positive self-worth and mental well-being. However, older adults may start experiencing unique challenges that make bathing or showering more difficult.
Today, we’ll explore the recommended frequency for bathing and appropriate tips for helping them feel refreshed and cared for, without compromising health or causing unnecessary stress.
How Often Do We Need to Bathe?
While most people bathe every day, it’s important to realise that this isn’t always necessary and can actually cause skin irritation and discomfort. For many older adults, bathing once or twice a week is enough to keep them feeling comfortable and confident, without increasing the risk of infection.
As we get older, the amount of sebum (oil) produced from our scalp naturally decreases. This means that older adults’ hair doesn’t need to be washed more than once a week.
Of course, everyone is different and it’s important to consider your loved one’s individual circumstances and preferences when it comes to personal hygiene. Unique circumstances, such as medical conditions or incontinence, may increase the necessary frequency of baths or showers.
Understanding Why Older Adults Might Not Want to Bathe
When loved ones refuse to bathe or shower, it might be difficult to first understand why. Considering the possible reasons for this can help you react compassionately rather than logically, helping them feel heard and understood.
Possible reasons for your loved one refusing a bath include:
- They’re worried about falling: If older adults find mobility challenging or are experiencing frailty, they may worry about falling in the bath, shower or bathroom.
- Mental health challenges: Depression or anxiety can affect motivation and make it increasingly difficult to complete personal hygiene routines.
- Loss of independence: Not being able to bathe independently can cause worry about losing independence, which may make older adults reluctant to ask for help.
- They get fatigued quickly: Extreme fatigue can prevent a person from physically being able to get to the bathroom and perform their usual routine.
- Memory loss or confusion: Forgetfulness might cause your loved one to skip their routine altogether, or get confused and think they’ve already bathed.
- Changes in senses: Some people lose their sense of smell as they age, making it difficult for them to know when it’s time to bathe.
Factors Influencing the Need for Bathing
There are several factors that influence your loved one’s need for bathing, such as:
- Skin health: Skin tends to lose moisture as it ages, making it more sensitive to water and cleansers.
- Environmental influences: The safety of a bathroom and the presence of mobility aids often influence bathing frequency.
- Personal and cultural norms: Cultural backgrounds and personal habits might mean someone bathes more or less frequently than others.
- Health conditions: Certain health conditions may require more frequent bathing to reduce the risk of infection and discomfort.
Tips for Supporting an Older Adult’s Personal Care Routine
If your loved one is finding it challenging to keep up with personal hygiene, here are some ways you can support them:
Establish a Routine
A daily routine can help your loved one get used to bathing or showering at a certain time of the day. This will help ensure they expect the shower and avoid having the idea sprung on them out of the blue. Figure out when they’re most comfortable and willing to bathe, then implement a shower or bath at that time each day.
For example, before breakfast or after dinner are good bathing times for most people. Their mealtimes anchor the schedule, and with consistency, they’ll learn that around the chosen meal is their personal care time.
Prioritise Their Privacy and Independence
To ensure your loved one feels valued and cared for, you must prioritise their privacy and independence. This involves asking how much they want you to be involved in their personal care routine and taking the necessary steps to uphold their independence. Older adults tend to be more willing to bathe when they feel confident and comfortable enough to do it themselves.
To do this, you could:
- Help them walk to the bathroom, but leave them alone to bathe while you wait outside
- Cover them with a bathrobe or towel while washing them, only uncovering one area at a time
- Dim the lights to help them feel less exposed
- Always ask for consent before bathing them and talk them through what you’re doing
- Look for home aids to make them more comfortable and independent
Remember, always take the time to be patient and compassionate through the process. A shower might take a bit longer, but it’s worth the extra time to help your loved one feel dignified, safe and comfortable.
Consider Comfortable Alternatives
A full bath doesn’t always have to be the only solution to personal hygiene concerns. Some alternatives, such as a sponge or a bed bath between full showers, can help your loved one feel more comfortable. Wet wipes are another useful tool, and most older adults can use them without assistance to boost independence and dignity.
Dry shampoo is a good alternative to frequent hair washes. Make sure you look for one suitable for sensitive skin, as harsh sprays can make the scalp itchy.
Find Home Aids and Equipment
Home aids are an excellent way to uphold independence and help your loved one stay confident in their personal care routine. A fear of falling in the bathroom is one of the main reasons why older adults avoid baths and showers, so installing safety equipment can help them feel protected and reassured.
Home aids for the bathroom include:
- Grab bars near the toilet and bath
- A seat or perching stool in the shower
- A bath hoist
- Non-slip mats
- Raised toilet seats
These all contribute to making the bathroom a safer place, ensuring your loved one can continue their personal care routine independently, on their own time.
Motivate Them to Want to Bathe
Some older adults might not see a reason to keep up with personal hygiene if they’re staying indoors all day. Motivate them by planning fun activities, such as going out to lunch, a walk in the park or social visits with friends and family members.
Not only can these activities offer social and emotional well-being benefits, but they also provide motivation to get ready for each day and maintain personal care.
Consider Professional Help
Personal care requirements for older adults are important, but they can put pressure on familial relationships if both parties aren’t comfortable with the idea. At Trinity Homecare, our compassionate visiting and live-in carers can provide sensitive personal care and assistance to your loved one, while maintaining independence and dignity throughout.
Our CQC-rated ‘Outstanding’ care includes:
- Assistance with bathing, showering and oral hygiene
- Dressing and getting ready for bed
- Applying creams, moisturisers and lotions
- Hair care and washing
- Mobility assistance
- Incontinence care
- Emotional support and companionship
Our carers prioritise your loved one’s personal preferences and support needs in our care plans, ensuring they bathe as frequently as necessary to remain comfortable, healthy and confident.
Talk to Our Team Today
If your loved one requires home care, chat with one of our friendly care team today. We offer a free, no-obligation enquiry and assessment service and are happy to offer information and advice to help you find the perfect home care solution.
Call us on 020 4572 5583 in confidence for a free no obligation quotation. If enquiring outside of our opening hours, please complete our online form and we will contact you the next day.
