In our earlier blog, we have discussed the reasons why your elderly loved one may refuse to bathe or generally practice good personal hygiene. This can be due to many reasons, as stated in the article. The main idea is that by understanding their reasons, you can easily take out the frustration out of the task and even help them better. 

Once you have figured out why your senior parent or loved one doesn’t want to bather, you can find a better solution. It may not be an overnight cure, as it could most likely be a trial and error, but at least you’re in the right direction. And besides, taking the time and care to ensure the hygiene and care of your elderly loved one is totally worth it.

Convincing the Elderly to Practice Good Personal Hygiene

1. Make their doctor your powerful ally. A consultation with the doctor may help you discover underlying issues surrounding this refusal to bathe or practice good personal hygiene. Their recommendations may also be more powerful and your elderly loved ones may have a better chance of following them.

2. You may resort to bribery. This may be trickery, but it is well-intended. See if you can get a close friend or family member to extend an invitation out so that your elderly loved one will get groomed. You may also promise them a special treat to motivate them from time to time.

3. Revisit your bath aids. Bath aids and bath products can provide comfort to your elderly loved ones. Make sure you have the right things. For example, if their feet tire easily when standing up in the shower, you may get them a shower chair. You may also invest in a water heater and a hand-held shower. Make sure there are grab bars, and of course, non-irritating products can also help make their experience more delightful.

4. Make bath time more fun. Instead of associating baths with frustration, change the conversation. Use positive wordings. Make it a big production–anything to make them look forward to bathing. Furthermore, be sensitive to their feelings especially about pointing out dirty clothing and body odors.

5. Be considerate and sensitive. Remember, their condition and needs are different from when they were younger. Proceed slowly with a bath time schedule and do this at a time when they are not tired and are more cooperative. You may also at first ask to wipe their face and gradually move on to cleaning the rest of their body. If they don’t like it, you can stop and try again later.

6. Get help. You may also consider care options such as what we at Blessed Home provide.

Call or text us at 09178560623 to learn more.