Bathing becomes a lot more difficult as we start to age. Aching joints and poor mobility can make showering a chore. However, it’s still very important to ensure that you clean your body regularly. This will help to prevent infections and ensures you can live with dignity.
Your bathing routine will be unique to your needs and circumstances. If your mobility is a little better, you may have no trouble with having a daily wash. For those who struggle a little more, bathing once or twice a week will suffice. You may also want to wash at this frequency if you suffer with dry skin, as daily showering can strip your skin of oils and exacerbate this problem. Sticking to a regular routine is a good idea, as it tends to make washing a little less stressful.
Should Elderly People Bath Or Shower?
We would always suggest choosing the safest option for your needs. However, we know that there will be many people who only have access to one or the other. If you’ve got a walk-in bath or walk-in shower, this is ideal. You’ll have a much easier time accessing your washing facilities with step-free access, hand rails and seating. Less risk of slips and falls results in a more relaxing bathing experience.
Where there’s a choice, walk-in showers are the safest option. Some are fitted with seats, which the user can sit on when washing themselves. This allows them to bathe independently where possible, without the risk of slipping or falling.
Baths can also be suitable, and preferable for those with aching muscles and joints. Walk-in baths are a great solution, because they offer step-free access and adapted seating positions.
How To Wash An Elderly Person
If you need to help a friend or relative wash themselves, there’s a few things you can do. If they’re able to do a little work themselves, you can pass them a soapy sponge so they can clean the areas that are easy for them to reach. This promotes their independence and dignity. When they’ve finished washing what they can, you can then go in and wash the other areas. Pay extra attention to places where the skin folds, as these places can harbour bacteria when neglected.
For Accessible Bathrooms, Choose AHM Installations
If you need to transform your bathroom into a safe, accessible bathing space, get in touch with AHM. Our friendly team can create a stylish, brand new bathroom that meets your mobility needs.
