My mother is 89, still lives independently and does pretty well. She is not 100% stable on her feet and has now developed a logical fear of getting in the shower. There are appropriate grab bars and no slip strips on the tub surface.
As her son I find myself very uncomfortable assisting with “personal care” issues. Helping her bathe is something I refuse to do, for both of our dignity.
My question is; baring something prohibitive like changing her tub to a walk-in shower, does anyone have a suggestion of what I can to to make her feel more comfortable?
Yvesvan de CALSEYDE
- *CONVERSION* to walk-in
shower.
(I was on my way from my house.)
I honestly don't remember her EVER taking a shower, she always had a "bird bath", washing all over, & washing her hair in the kitchen sink. I told the therapist, she said mom asked her not to tell me about being in the shower, I told lies about her all the time & would make her take one everyday!
I love that old "witch"!
This way as the son you can leave her for that final 45sec and be outside with a nice fluffy bath towel, to hand around the curtain. No stepping no balance problems and no water cascading down upsetting her balance
For everyday: disposable soap impregnated facial cloths for face, neck, ears, underarms, under breasts, and feet. Plastic over the toilet Sitz bath to wash bottom.