Bathing and Hair Care Questions
192 Question and Answer Results
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FAQ: How Do You Fire a Personal Assistant?
If you have a care manager on the case, let him or her handle it. Care managers do the matching and hiring, and if any problems arise, the care manager should handle them. A good care manger might be able to step in and fix the root issue, for example, before resorting to firing. -
Is there an alternative to washing my father's private areas?
You really do have to do this daily. This part of the body needs to stay clean, especially the backside. Anywhere that's fleshy and sweaty is prone to bacteria that can cause odors and skin irritations. Try not to get hung up on it. It's best to think about it in the same way as if you were washing a baby or a child... -
How often do I need to bathe my parent?
There are two ways to look at this question. How often do you need to bathe your father, and how often should you bathe him? -
Is there an alternative to washing my mom's private areas?
Yes, this really must be done daily. The genital area is one of those parts of the body that need to stay clean, especially the backside. Anywhere that's fleshy and moist is prime territory for bacteria growth, which can cause odors and skin irritation. -
How often do I need to shampoo my dad's hair?
It's a confusing issue, because many of us shampoo our own hair daily and consider this the norm. In reality, there's no need to shampoo every day. What's more, daily shampooing can dry out the hair and scalp. Unless there's a medical reason to shampoo more often, weekly or even less is fine. -
How do I get my dad out of the bathtub?
The bathroom is the one room in the house that is most often the site of accidents that can seriously limit a senior's ability to live independently, so are are wise to be concerned for your father's safety. If taking a bath rather than a shower is something your father enjoys, there are alternative ways to get him out of the bathtub after a bath... -
How do I talk to my father about the mess he makes in the bathroom when he urinates?
This is a frustrating problem, and one that's understandably difficult for a daughter to talk about with her dad. First of all, I'd talk to your father's doctor about the situation, and consider a check-up. There could be medical reasons your dad is missing the toilet more, such as vision problems; stiff... -
What can my grandfather do to help him relax about his cancer?
There are two components to relaxation: physical and mental. First, your grandfather needs to be physically comfortable. Make sure he has a place to rest and a place to walk, if he can manage to exercise. If he’s receptive, suggest he get a massage, take a warm bath, or go to a yoga cla... -
How can I convince my father to bathe more often?
I hope you got the answer I posted to your earlier email. If not, post again. Thanks. -
How can we get my grandmother to bathe?
Refusing to bathe is fairly common among elderly people, and there are several reasons for this. Bathing can become painful as muscles weaken and joints stiffen. Many seniors have balance problems, and fear falling. Depression can also make seniors lethargic about self-care; kind of like, "I'm going to die soon, so what's the point... -
What will help relieve itchy skin in elderly mother?
Itchy skin is a tough problem, and one that I am familiar with myself. Here are my suggestions: -
If my father is uncircumcised, should I retract the foreskin when bathing him?
Sounds like you are doing everything right. You are correct that when cleansing someone who is uncircumsized, you should retract the foreskin. Do this gently, and carefully wash the area. Then, be sure the place the foreskin back over the penis when you are done. -
What can be done to help thick and curled over toenails?
Thick toenails are quite a common problem as people get older. Let me reassure you that your thick toenails are probably caused by a common fungal infection, not something as serious as lung cancer. The best way to evaluate your toenail problem is to be seen by a podiatrist... -
How can we convince someone with dementia to brush their teeth?
This is an important question, because the process of disease and infection that takes place before teeth “fall out” can be a serious health issue. The mouth is very often a hidden nest of infection that seeds bacteria to the heart, lungs, and kidneys of the older adult popula... -
How can I work with Mom's long-term care facility to assist her in having a nice warm bath?
Arranging a tub bath in a long term care facility should be fairly simple. First step is to find out if they have a bath tub. Some facilities have only showers because they are so much safer for older adults. If that is the case in your mother's facility, then you will probably need to take her out, perhaps to your home, for a tub bath... -
Can Mouthwash Replace Tooth Brushing a Few Times a Week?
There is no substitute for brushing and flossing when it comes to good oral hygiene. Regular professional cleanings are recommended to remove plaque and deposits that the patient is unable to eliminate between visits. Mouth rinses such as Listerine, Scope and ACT are available over-the-counter and serve as an adjunct to maintaining oral health... -
Grandpa refuses to allow us to help him bathe, but he's smells horribly. What can we do?
Thank you for your letter. Your family wants to keep your grandfather comfortable at home-----and are willing to sacrifice their own comfort. As your grandfather nears the end of his life, he wants to hold onto himself by striking out at others. He refuses to bathe and sits in his own waste. It is not personal;he is tense and frightened... -
Mom won't use the bath even though we've equipped it for her.
You are not alone! So many caregivers struggle over the parent's refusing to bathe in the tub. Tub baths are nice. Soaking parts of the body is hygienic. But don't worry. There are so many products to help cleanse and refresh. -
When should I wake my father up to preform personal cleansing tasks?
Sorry to hear your dad is not doing well. It is good that you are helping to take care of him, as I am sure this is a comfort for him. The hospice team can help you with your questions anytime, so do not feel bad for asking them advice, as this is a hard time for you too. -
How can I get my husband to hold his penis when he uses the bathroom?
When reading your question, my thought is that you may need to go into the bathroom with your husband to help him urinate at this point in his dementia. First, you can try to remind him to hold his penis as he is standing in front of the toilet...
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