Caregiving Challenges, Bathing and Toileting Your Loved One

Bathing and toileting adult loved ones is not the same experience as bathing and toileting children. How to cope with vulnerability and embarrassment.

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Toileting and Bathing

Helpful Highlights

Bathing, grooming, and hygiene - is there a difference?

Yes, there is a difference, though they are commonly referred to as just "bathing." Bathing, grooming, and hygiene are considered activities of daily living (ADLs) and are often grouped together.

Bathing and hygiene are just as important in older age as they are in any other time of life. Bathing twice a week is sufficient for most older adults, though bathing should be done more often if needed. Oral care should be performed daily.

The aging process

As we age, the powerful protective barriers that are our skin and mucous membranes weaken dramatically.

The importance of bathing and what we take for granted

As we age, washing everywhere - under folds, in crevices, and in hard-to-reach areas - is more difficult. For those who have confusion or memory loss, washing everywhere can be nearly impossible without assistance.

There does not have to be obvious soiling or an open wound for older adults to be at risk for infections and other problems from not bathing.

The bathing experience - knowledge

The bathing experience - skills

Intimacy vs. embarrassment - reframing the approach

Rushing through showering or bathing is commonplace for many of us; however, it can provoke anxiety, fright, and even anger in older adults.

Toileting

Well, let's face it, there's really no way to make toileting an intimate and caring experience, though it is a tremendous act of love. So, we'll just offer some helpful hints:

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RESOURCES

Aging Care - Dementia Bathing

Alzheimer's Association - Bathing

Caregiver Action Network - Bathing Tips for Older Adults

Cleveland Clinic. (2023, April 17). Taking the plunge: 5 reasons baths are good for you. Health Essentials, Family Medicine. Link

Lam, K., Shi, Y., Boscardin, J., & Covinsky, K.E. (2021). Unmet need for equipment to help with bathing and toileting among older US adults. JAMA Internal Medicine, 181(5), 662-670. DOI

Rader, J., Barrick, A.L., Hoeffer, B., Sloane, P.D., McKenzie, D., Talerico, K.A., & Glover, J.U. (2006). The bathing of older adults with dementia: Easing the unnecessarily unpleasant aspects of assisted bathing. American Journal of Nursing, 106(4), 40-48. Link

Chia-Hui, T., Tsung-Cheng, H., & Ru-Ping, L. (2021). The effect of two bed bath practices in cost and vital signs of critically ill patients. International Journal of Envrionmental Research and Public Health, 18(2), 816. DOI

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