Okay, I am having a learning curve here. My platonic partner and I are aging in place. Typically we have his son come help with bathing him, but the other day he couldn't come. There is going to come a time when I am going to be doing more than taking his shoes and socks off. He is very concerned about his privacy, In the past, when i worked in group homes or as a home aide I would sit in the doorway while the client was behind the shower curtain or what have you, make sure they had a robe on and did not fall, prompt them to wash, etc. He said he's ok with me washing him but he's worried about me seeing his personals. would a jock cover him enough to give him a shred of privacy? And is this something that he can put on while seated on a shower chair so he could take it off at the end and wash himself up? If not could I add some snaps on my sewing machine? And do they come in a size that fits size 50 jeans? Like I said, we normally have his son come, but we do need a back up plan, and I am not a member of this team.....thanks
If he can stand in the shower he doesn't need help, if he is seated then cover him with a small towel. You can hand him a washcloth to clean his own private areas while you turn away, but unless you are blindfolded you are going to see him eventually. Just be nonchalant and professional.
What about just wearing a bathing suit, that would be way more practical than a jock strap.
I have to admit I have only ever had to deal with this once and I didn't have the problem. My only comment that might mean you NEED to see what you are doing is what if there was an infection or the area was sore in any way?
If he can wash the area himself why not let him do that on the toilet - you can buy bidet inserts so he could do that then he could put on a pairs of shorts and you could shower him normally. You can buy one for about $11 on amazon - look for Easy Comforts Instant Bidet. You cannot use it on a raised toilet seat though so be warned - it would not be stable
OR how about getting over the problem with seeing him completely nude? I'm surprised that you haven't gotten over that already, having worked as a home aide. It's a body part. He seems to be shy,,,but if he needs help....he's gonna have to get over that hurdle a bit. Try to laugh it off with him to ease the tension.
Good luck!
Ruthie, I'm glad you all found a solution!
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