What to Do When a Senior Refuses to Bathe and Change Their Clothes
When it comes to caring for the elderly, hygiene issues are surprisingly common. Determining why their bathing habits have changed is the best way to devise a successful strategy for getting a senior to shower regularly and wear clean clothes. There are many possible culprits, and several factors often combine to form a perfectly unhygienic storm.
At best, poor hygiene can result in minor body odor and an unkempt appearance. However, extreme changes in bathing habits can border on self-neglect, affect a senior’s social life (and quality of life by extension), and even jeopardize their health. Frustrated family caregivers often struggle to convince aging loved ones to bathe more often. The solution seems simple, but there is often much more to this issue than meets the eye.
Why Do the Elderly Not Want to Bathe?
Depression
If a loved one who used to wear makeup, bathe regularly, or insist on crisply pressed clothes suddenly stops taking care of themselves, it’s wise to rule out depression first. A simple checkup with a doctor is a good idea, especially if low energy or lack of interest seems to be part of this change in behavior. Depression isn’t always obvious to an observer, so keep an eye out for the warning signs.
Respect and Control
As people age, they often feel as if they’re losing control over their lives. One thing that seniors tend to keep a tight grip on for as long as possible is their own personal hygiene. Caregivers and family members can nag all they want, but the more you pester them about something, the more they tend to resist. They may react with a remark like, “This younger generation is trying to take over everything. Well, they aren’t telling me when to shower, that’s for sure!”
Dulling Senses
Your nose may easily pick up on the odors of urine, old sweat, and feces, but elders may not even notice these stomach-turning scents. They are especially “nose blind” …
Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories. “For anyone having to walk the last segments of life with a loved one, read this.” …Delores
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