Elder Care in Fair Oaks CA
Bathing can be a stressful time for both your elderly loved one and you. Here are some ideas for making sure that you’re ready for bathing your elderly loved one.
Check the Bathroom for Safety
Before you start bathing your loved one regularly, it’s time for another bathroom safety check. You’ve likely done this before in order to ensure that your loved one was safe on her own, but now there will be two people in there at a time. Make sure that the grab bars are strong enough and that there aren’t any obstacles that could block you from safely helping your loved one move through the bathroom.
Modify the Tub if Necessary
Sure, you could install a full-on walk-in tub, but most people don’t have the budget for that right away. There are other modifications to consider that are less expensive and that offer you quite a bit of flexibility. Look for shower chairs or benches that help your loved one to sit whenever she needs to. You may also want to replace the standard shower head with a hand-held attachment to help with rinsing and with washing your loved one’s hair. Look for ways to make your and your loved one’s experience easier.
Keep Your Loved One’s Preferences and Habits in Mind
Most people don’t pay a lot of attention to a loved one’s bathing habits until they have to help them with those activities. Routines, such as your loved one is used to washing her hair last rather than first, can help your loved one to feel more comfortable with the experience. Take the time to talk to your loved one about what she likes and prefers when bathing.
Add a Little Luxury
Everyone likes a little bit of luxury in their bathing experience and your elderly loved one is no exception. Luxury can involve anything from soaps and shampoos to lotions and soft, fuzzy towels. Look for ways to add a little luxury to the experience, even if that’s just running the towel through the dryer for a few minutes to warm it up before bath time.
If your elderly loved one is really uncomfortable with having you or other family members help her bathe, contact her elder care providers for help with bath times.
If you or an aging loved one needs elder care in Fair Oaks, CA, remember Senior Home Care Services. Call us at (916) 514-7006 for more information.
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