I love seniors, and on occasion I help out some of the older people I know from time to time. This is one of two questions I have today regarding the elderly, and I would like some firsthand answers from those of you 65 and over, please.
Why do so many of the elderly stop bathing as frequently, or at all? I understand that there are those who have limited mobility cannot bathe themselves, but I have known many who, despite the usual aches and pains associated with aging, are able to bathe, but don't. I see this as a recurring theme with so many seniors, and I am wondering; Is it a matter of just not caring anymore, or is it a matter of being more trouble than the person thinks it is worth to hop in a shower for 5 minutes?
I would hope that even if I were 80 and in so-so health, that I would still want to take care of my personal hygeine. I would imagine that these same people, when they were at my age, felt the same way, so I don't understand.
Thanks for your answers!
2007-12-19 16:06:50 · 14 answers · asked by art-nerd 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Senior Citizens
Eeeooowwwww, I'm glad my mums still a water baby.
2007-12-20 02:41:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
I'm 72.
My shower, with my husbands help takes 1 hour and 45 minutes, if all goes well
By the time we are finished, we both need a nap.
No one can just look at someone and decide how that person really feels.
We need to walk in their shoes first.
If I'm sitting down, I look like I could get up and take a walk. Not so.
It's my poor husband that suffers, being closed up in a moist bathroom and physically helping me.
It's one of those things like, asking someone who stutters, and they say . . . .That's easy for you to say. (just wanted to add a bit of humor to a sad situation)
2007-12-20 17:59:43 · answer #2 · answered by DeeJay 7 · 7⤊ 0⤋
I like to take a shower in the morning when I get up. As long as I am in good enough health to do it I plan on doing it until I can't do it anymore.
2007-12-20 08:55:26 · answer #3 · answered by UncleBuck 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am not over 65 but I know the answer to your question.It has to do with fear.Do you know that more elderly are hurt in the bathroom then any other room.Have you noticed that while in the restroom the door is usually ajar?I worked for years giving care and found this to be true...I know how that feels.After my hysterectomy.I was afraid to shower without the hubby home.
2007-12-20 03:32:32 · answer #4 · answered by Maw-Maw 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I am a registered nurse and I believe I can answer this.
1. Elderly skin should not be washed daily, except for private parts because their skin tends to be thin, dry and very fragile.
2. Most elderly suffer from poor circulation and tend to be cold all the time and they dread getting chilled from a bath.
2007-12-20 00:32:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 8⤊ 3⤋
Besides the other reasons that have already been mentioned by the other members, I'd like to add that many people living on a fixed monthly income cannot afford to fix or replace something if it breaks. So, keeping that in mind, cutting down on bathing & showers might be seen as a way to reduce utility bills & possibly prolong the life of their water heaters, by not using them on a daily basis.
2007-12-19 17:05:20 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 4⤋
I do know that part of advancing Alzheimer's disease is decreasing "activities of daily living." This includes hygiene. Also, as they age, their skin is more fragile & frequent washing dries it even more & makes them more prone to skin tears & break downs. If this is something new for someone you care for, they should get a complete physical, and perhaps you or someone could go with them to pass this information to the physician.
2007-12-19 16:16:42 · answer #7 · answered by Rhonda & Cats 5 · 8⤊ 2⤋
Not over 65 myself, but work in Nursing home. I think one of the reasons is that it is very hard for the elderly to stay warm. I know that is why some of my residents refuse their showers. Although the mobility issue is bigger than you think, what is a 15 minute job for us, turns into an 1 hour deal for them, undressing, danger of slipping, dressing, and all of this while your Arthritis is acting up. not easy.
2007-12-19 16:18:02 · answer #8 · answered by sabina-2004@sbcglobal.net 4 · 14⤊ 2⤋
I know some people find it very difficult to take a shower if they need to get into a bathtub to do it, there is a concern about falling, its often cold , and if you dont go out much who is there to notice . Its very easy to just wear the same clothes for many days in a row.
2007-12-19 16:22:13 · answer #9 · answered by mark 6 · 7⤊ 3⤋
It is one of two things.
They are afraid of falling and getting hurt.
It is the early sign of Dementia or Alzheimer's.
I like those new bathtubs they advertise on television. You walk in to them and sit down on a little seat. When I'm older I'm going to get one of them.
2007-12-19 16:47:39 · answer #10 · answered by doglover 5 · 5⤊ 3⤋