Assistance with Bathing

Having a shower everyday for many of us is something to look forward to, but many older people find it not on the priority list for many reasons and would prefer to have a wash. Its important to remember that many people were brought up only having one bath a week, some also say that the feeling of water on the skin when you are older is unpleasant and people with dementia often develop a fear of showering.

Cleanliness is important, however if they choose not to have a shower this is ok. Being unclean for a couple of days will not cause them any harm. It is important that you do not force them to do something they do not want to do. If you have concerns about a shower continually being declining seek doctor’s advice.

Assisting with a Shower

• Ask them if they would like a shower/offer assistance
• Explain to them the process and that you will assist them
• Have their approval
• If the person is unsteady on their feet you should not leave them unattended
• Be prepared. Have all that is needed in the shower room prior to assisting them to shower e.g. towels, clothes, soap, incontinent products (if needed)
• It may be necessary to use equipment such as a shower chair or stool if they are unsteady on their feet or they are at risk of falls.
• Check room temperature is right, close windows, turn on fans / heaters if needed
• Place bath mat on floor to prevent slips (non-slip mat is preferred)
• Check shower temperature
• Ask them what assistance they will need/check Help them to undress (if needed)
• Assist them into shower (if needed)
• Offer them opportunity to wash themselves. Offer to wash areas such as back and legs (these are commonly hard places for older people to reach)
• Always remember to encourage independence before doing it for them
• If they need complete assistance ensure you wash all areas of the body specifically under arms, groin and bottom.
• While assisting with the shower, do a head to toe check. This is to check for any pressure areas, rashes (especially under breasts), or skin tears. Any significant concern can then be addressed with your doctor.
• Assist to dry thoroughly, using a patting motion so as not to cause skin tears. Ensure between toes, skin folds and under breasts is dry. If needed, apply moisteriser and any prescribed medicated creams
• If skin is dry, apply moisturiser to dry areas
• Assist to dress in clothing of their choice and suitable to weather conditions
• Assist with grooming and teeth as required

Assisting with a wash

At times a wash may be preferred or required. This could be for many reasons such as being too weak for a shower, having dressings or casts that can’t get wet, being bedridden or just because they would like one.

• Ask them what assistance they will need/check if assistance needed for back or legs
• Tell them what you are going to do before you do it
• Ensure you have all the equipment you need extra towels, clothes to change into etc.
• Fill a basin or bowl and take to room, or assist them to bathroom
• Place soap in basin
• Give face flannel to wash face (if you are assisting wash eyes from inside of eye to out, using only one wipe)
• Assist them to undress the top half and offer them the opportunity to wash their own back, front ensuring areas such as under breasts and under arms are washed and dried thoroughly
• Use a towel for warmth and dignity when you are not washing that area
• To ensure privacy and warmth, assist to dress top half before continuing
• Assist them to undress lower half of body and cover with a towel. Use a separate flannel for private areas, (always offer the opportunity to do this themselves to respect their privacy)
• If needed, apply moisteriser and any prescribed medicated creams
• If skin is dry, apply moisturiser to area
• Assist to dress in clothing of their choice and suitable to weather conditions
• Assist with grooming and teeth as required