There are many misconceptions surrounding bathing when it comes to seniors. We are used to the notion that bathing is necessary everyday for hygiene purposes and taking care of our skin, but this actually is not the case for elderly people.
It is actually recommended that seniors bathe once or twice a week at minimum when a daily routine is not possible. Mobility issues, fatigue, and unwillingness can be issues that hinder a daily bathing routine too. Many people have their own preferences for their schedules based on multiple factors.
In this article we will discuss how often an elderly person should typically bathe, and how to manage hygiene with different kinds of patients.
As aforementioned, the answer is no. If an elderly person bathes at least once or twice a week, it will help prevent infections and skin problems.
It is possible to keep the body relatively clean without bathing every day. In the time period between baths, using a washcloth, preferably warm, to wipe areas that can emit odor such as armpits, groin, genitals, feet, or skin folds can help maintain better hygiene. Certain conditions may require more frequent bathing, which should be taken into consideration when deciding on a bathing schedule.
Bathing everyday can actually be harmful to some patients, as it can dry out skin, especially if the senior likes very hot showers. Here are some reasons daily bathing may not be necessary for a senior person:
Some people may have other issues that cause them to be unwilling to bathe daily. These can include:
This is why it is important to approach the activity of bathing while being considerate of how the elderly person feels about it. You can start off by bathing less frequently, but if the person starts to feel more comfortable, then the frequency of bathing can be increased.
When it comes to patients with conditions like dementia, the situation can look a bit different. Many caregivers actually prefer bathing a dementia patient on a daily basis, because the more it becomes incorporated into a daily routine, the less they might resist the activity.
People with dementia may also have more frequent toilet mishaps, in which case, more frequent showers and baths are important to avoid infections. They may also wear incontinence briefs, which many seniors without dementia wear as well, where regular cleaning becomes crucial to getting rid of harmful bacteria and skin lesions.
One of the biggest reasons dementia patients cannot shower frequently is because they are unwilling to get in the bath. The fears mentioned in the previous section can play into this unwillingness as well. It is difficult to completely change someone’s mind when they have developed a fear, but there are ways to make the activity seem less stressful and negative. Here are some ways you can get a dementia patient to shower:
Bathing a dementia patient, and any person for that matter, should be done with utmost sensitivity and patience. Baths can be a source of stress and lead to agitation. Always be considerate and mindful of how the elderly person feels.
If an elderly person is not bathing regularly, there are things to keep in mind to promote their hygiene between and during each bathing session. Seniors have different needs as they get older, and it is important to be mindful of them. As we have gone over some of the problems with bathing an elderly person, here are some of the ways to combat those issues, and make bathing as pleasant as possible for your senior:
While hair does not need to be washed every day, the scalp should still be washed regularly. Our scalps produce a natural oil called sebum that builds up on the scalp and can reach the ends of hair strands, making it greasy. Until the hair is washed, it will continue to accumulate. Seniors do not produce as much sebum, so their hair can be washed just once a week. However, their scalps are more fragile and sensitive, so it is important to be gentle and use mild shampoos and warm water.
There are many products that are used for washing hair that do not involve water like dry shampoo, making it an easier ordeal. However, wet-washing sessions are still important and can be easier to do because it doesn’t require a person to undress. Hair can be washed by positioning a washbasin behind the person.
Hygiene and bathing routines work differently for elderly people as their body undergoes changes that require a different kind of care. There are many ways to promote the hygiene of an elderly person while still making them feel comfortable. Making use of these bathing alternatives can make seniors feel more positive about their hygiene routine, and put less stress on you as the caregiver too. Every senior requires care, patience, and respect when being assisted with bathing.
Now that you are equipped with a deeper understanding of a senior’s hygiene needs, and strategies to adapt their routine for comfort, it can significantly enhance their daily life. This knowledge can transform their perspective on bathing into a more positive one. We wish you the best of luck as you care for your senior.
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