My dad has dementia and never showers. He does well, otherwise. He has his activities and he likes to sit out front and watch the world go by. But the bathing issue is a real problem. We just spent a small fortune updating his bathroom so that he has a walk-in shower. Looks great but never gets used. We need a place where he can spend a little time with other people and come home cleaned. Is this an option?
You may need to hire a male aid to come two or three times a week. They are often good at kind of just walking them into and through it 1-2-3.
What does your Dad say when you discuss this with him?
You might be better off hiring someone to come in 2 or 3 times a week that will do a shower. People that do Shower Aid work are very skilled at getting non compliant people into the shower.
It's a wonderful service. I hope where you live they offer it as well. Just call and ask.
There are a few organizations that offer hygiene services for homeless people in our area. They provide hot showers, razors, toothpaste and toothbrushes, etc.
Wishing you luck in this area!
You may be able to find a 2x a week bath aid on Care.com. My Aunt had a neighbor (a qualified aid) come do it for her 2x a week. She never loved it but became more accepting of it eventually. I recommend finding a guy if at all possible (experienced). As long as you do the same amount of time, same days, same times it will give you a better chance of finding the right person. The shaving thing is an issue for the guys...
Home health care provides aides to assist in basic hygiene care, so why shouldn’t daycare providers do the same.
Having an aide come to the home 2-3 x a week & to keep up that routine has been the solution for my lot.
Ask to see a contract for services provided.
He lives in day care? Day care from what I know are daily activities wherein a elder goes for a few hours and then is picked up and returned home.
I do not understand how you've paid to update his bathroom in a day care facility. Perhaps you mean assisted living - or wherever he has a private room.
Still, you need to discuss scheduling with the administrator, and dept manager.
Ask to see records when he is given a shower.
Gena / Touch Matters
Perhaps think outside the ‘shower or bath’ box? If you can’t find a way, how else could you keep him clean?
Ps. Sometimes a kid has to just take charge and take care of themm They really do revert back.
As for help with all activities if placed in assisted living, my husband was in one for a month before he fell and died;.
YES, my husband was helped to get to the shower every other day by the staff assigned to help in his ward. When looking for a facility to place the loved one, ASK THE QUESTION. "HOW MUCH HELP WILL MY LOVED ONE GET WITH DAILY ACTIVITIES LIKE BATHING, SHOWERIING, GETTING DRESSED (if that is required), etc).
MAKE A LIST OF QUESTIONS YOU WANT TO ASK THE FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE WHO IS SHOWING YOU THE FACILITY. Help or not showering should be one of the questions.
Been there, done that.
You need to ask.