Have you noticed that elderly people hate taking showers?  I have.

Here are a few of the reasons I hear about all the time:

• ‘It’s cold in there – I’m already freezing all the time’.
• ‘I have to undress – colder still’.
• ‘I might fall – it’s slippery and packed with hard surfaces’.
• ‘It saps my energy — I’m wiped out afterward’.
• Things can get pretty funky when people go long periods of time without a good cleaning – and the risk of infections, rashes and other nasties goes way up.

Here are some of the strategies our caregivers use to encourage our clients to shower (just a couple of times a week is adequate).  Maybe one or two will help with your loved one:

• Warm up the bathroom – a small space heater on the counter works well.  A little calming music playing helps too.
• Wrap them up in a cozy robe – wait until the water is just right before taking it off.  If they are safe, grab towels from a hot dryer and have one ready when they are finished.
• Do a practice run – clothes on, water off. Test drive getting in, holding on to grab bars (gotta have those), sitting on the shower chair (a must).  Reassure them you will be with them all the way, making sure they’re safe.
• Spa day – reassure them that you will do the ‘heavy lifting’ and they can relax and enjoy being pampered.  Remind them of how good it will feel to be fresh and clean (and smelling sweet).
• Make it worth it – offer a rewarding activity or treat after the shower  (think ice cream or some other special thing they just love).