Aging with RAZ

What to do when your senior refuses to bathe

Your loved one isn’t bathing. The smell turned your eyes into Niagara Falls. You’ve tried everything, even yelling, “You Stink”. They say, “I’ve already bathed”. And they firmly believe they bathed.
What can we do?
Find out what their routine was when they were young, try to match their former schedule and address any fears.

Next, give them an in-the-moment reason to want to bathe. Tell them a lady or gentleman caller will be coming over, ask if they want to freshen up. Create spa coupons signed by friends, have them sign in on the guest register.

Adapt a scenario to their wants and needs and have fun.

✅ Bathing Do’s:
– Routine, respect, patience and a smile.
– Always ask and get permission before doing anything.
– For modesty issues, cover them with a warm bathrobe, towel or sheet and bathe them underneath the covering.
– Use a bath pillow with a shower chair.
– If the shower chair is the same color as the bath/shower place a contrasting-colored towel over the seat so your loved one can see it. Avoid black, navy blue and dark brown, they look like holes.
– Ensure there is enough lighting and contrast for their eyesight.
– Place a warm washcloth over their face like in a barber shop.
– Sing favorite songs together.

💡 Pro Tip: If they are confused about what to do, use erasable markers. Write one step at a time on the wall tile so they know what to do next.

🚫 Bathing Don’ts
– Don’t use bath pearls, as they may be confused for candy.
– Don’t use a whirlpool bath or jacuzzi, it looks like boiling water.
– Don’t leave them alone in the bathtub, it only takes 2″ of water to drown.
– Don’t rub aging skin dry with a towel, gently pat it dry to prevent skin tears.

If the bathroom mirror is an issue because they see someone watching them, don’t chastise them. This is real for them.
➡️ Guide them to a room where they feel safe.
➡️ Assure them you will send the stranger away.
➡️ Cover the mirror in wet paper towels.
➡️ Let them know you sent the stranger away.

When they return to the bathroom, no stranger.

Depending on your budget, install cordless, cellular, or roller shades, or a window or shower curtain.

For the win: Bathing 1, Odor 0, celebrate with a hug.