2007-12-11 16:16:26 · 10 answers · asked by marilyn b 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
First you need to know why she is not batheing, is she afraid of falling and being alone in the house, if so you offer to come by and be her helper and guardian to be there if she needs assistance, if she is depressed, you need to encourage her to see a shrink of some sort, at least a family Doc who can
assess her living conditions and general health both, she may qualify for a nursing assistant for a couple of three hours a week. If you feel she is in a early state of dementia, you and her son and other family members get together and discuss what needs she has and how to meet them.
If she has always had hygeine problems you probably won't get anywhere with her subtle or not, but you sound like this is new so look for the condition behind the symptom and you will find your answer and unfortunately subtle may not be an answer,
Good Luck, it is always a dificult time when the roles start to reverse.....
2007-12-11 16:31:05 · answer #1 · answered by Judy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If she lives with you then it might be awkward for her son to say something but I would buy her some fragrance soap and hand it to her with a towel and act as if she was going into the shower even if she was not. She may get the hint. If that doesn't work I would tell her you noticed she has not taken a shower and ask if she needs you to pick up something for her or if she realized it's been a few days. Most elderly people start to have an issue with taking a bath.
2007-12-12 05:43:30 · answer #2 · answered by Kat G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I work with the elderly and also went through that situation with my own MIL. They don't like to get wet, because they get cold so easily.
There really is no subtle way to tell them. If they ignore your suggestions that a nice bath or shower would make them feel better, you may have to get a little forceful.
I tell the people I care for that it's "splash" day. Any static from them, I tell them either they get it done, or I'll do it for them. ;)
With my mother in law, we told her we were going to get a stranger to come in and bathe her.
2007-12-11 16:23:31 · answer #3 · answered by Mrs. WC 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've had to deal with this same problem. It seems they don't want to bathe enough and want to wear the same clothes for days. What I have done is say something like, "Mom, I have your towel and washcloth ready for you in the bathroom. I want you to go bathe while I make breakfast (or whatever) and then I'll take my bath after breakfast." It's subtly letting her know that it's expected of her, especially if you do it everyday. Because the elderly have a problem with dry skin, tell her if she would like, you'll rub her back, arms, and legs with a nice lotion after her bath.
2007-12-11 16:26:16 · answer #4 · answered by Beckers 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
first check out her bathroom. do you think it is safe for her. safety bars in tub or shower,a bar buy the potty. maybe she is afraid of falling. next buy some pretty poofy net scrubs. may be some nice soap to squeeze on,old hands seem to drop bar soap often.bath lotion and powder all put in a Lil plastic basket she can take to the bathroom. a non slip mat in the shower a non slip bath mat out side the shower. and they have transfer shower chairs. half is in the tub half is out sit on the part that's out then swing legs in tub now she will be ready for her shower. oh forgot she will need a hand held shower. sound expensive ? not really many items may be found at yard sales/used stores/or senior center.either way much cheaper than broken bones. most women young or elderly want to smell nice.give the pretty basket in privet say mom this is for you hope you enjoy it.look forward to you telling us what you think. if you like it maybe we can go shopping for more fun things for your bath. yea how fun can't wait for you to let me know. old vintage parents are like young ones in reverse. they need a gentle nudge.
2007-12-11 17:27:17 · answer #5 · answered by emerald-mist 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm wondering if she lives with you? or on her own? Often the elderly need our guidance and one of those signs is when they forget to care properly for themselves. You could run her bath water for her and when it is done, simply tell her it's time for her bath.
2007-12-11 19:03:19 · answer #6 · answered by Dana C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would think it would be the people that care of your mother-in-law. since she's elderly.
2007-12-12 04:39:53 · answer #7 · answered by jennajade 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
buy her some nice bubble bath and bath wash for christmas. maybe she'll use it!
2007-12-11 17:07:51 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest one of her children advise her. That shouldnt be your responsibility.
2007-12-11 16:20:09 · answer #9 · answered by iyamacog 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont go back. before her kids or grandkids whoop your butt over their mom. maybe its you & not her who needs the bath .
2007-12-11 16:22:24 · answer #10 · answered by joes_mom86 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋