How to bathe an elderly relative

Keeping ourselves clean is an essential personal care task, and one that can become increasingly challenging as we age. Many elderly individuals require some assistance with bathing, such as getting in and out of the bath and washing hard-to-reach areas. Helping your elderly loved one bathe in a safe and dignified manner is crucial for their hygiene, comfort and wellbeing.

In this guide, we’ll share our top tips on how to bath an elderly person safely and respectfully. We’ll also explore some useful bathroom aids that can help make bathing easier and safer for you and your loved one. 

Helping your loved one feel comfortable

For most of our lives, having a bath is a private affair. While there's no shame in needing some help with bathing, it can understandably take some getting used to. So, as a caregiver assisting an elderly loved one with bathing, it's important to have an open and sensitive conversation first.

Everyone has their own bathing routines and preferences that they've grown accustomed to. Following these as closely as possible can help your loved one feel more at ease. For example, determine what time of day they prefer to bathe and what products they like to use.

Ask your loved one how much help they need from you during the bathing process, and how you can make the experience more relaxing and enjoyable. They might appreciate some scented bubble bath, for example, or calming music in the background.

Preparing the bath

Before assisting your elderly loved one with bathing, it's important to ensure the bathroom environment is safe and accessible. Take time to clean and declutter the space, removing any trip hazards and ensuring adequate room to manoeuvre. If you haven't already, installing bathroom grab rails can provide much-needed stability and support. 

Gather all the supplies you might need within easy reach. This may include:

• Toiletries, like your loved one's favourite bubble bath, body wash and shampoo
• Towels 
• Washing aids, such as long-handled sponges, to help your loved one wash themselves independently
• Bath steps to reduce the distance your loved one needs to step into and out of the bath
• A non-slip bath mat to help prevent slips and falls in the bath
• A cushioned bath pillow for added comfort

You’re now ready to run the bath. The water should be comfortably warm, but not too hot – a safe bath temperature for elderly adults is 37 - 43°C.

How to use a bath chair for elderly adults

For many older adults, getting in and out of the bath poses one of the biggest obstacles to bathing. Limited mobility and arthritic joints can make it difficult to step into the bath or sit down. If your loved one struggles with this, bath seats for adults can help make bath transfers easier. 

To use a bath board or bath seat, make sure to adjust the height correctly and fit it securely to the bath, following the manufacturer’s guidelines. When using a bath board, have your elderly relative sit on the side of the bath or lower themselves into the seat, holding the armrests or the edges of the seat, and carefully swing their legs round into the bath. This is the safest way to access the bath. If it’s a swivel bath chair, unlock the mechanism to rotate the chair. Installing a bathroom grab rail on the wall closest to the bathtub entry point will provide added support here.

For those requiring a little extra help, bath lifts and hoists offer additional support. These are powered devices used to lower a person into the bath and raise them back up when they want to get out. 

Bathing your elderly relative

Approach bathing with care and attentiveness to ensure your elderly relative’s comfort and safety. This may mean different things depending on their level of mobility. They may only need you there to supervise, or you may need to take a more active role in helping them bathe. 

Remember to respect your loved one’s dignity and independence as best as you can. Follow their lead, going at their pace and offering assistance when appropriate. They may wish to cover themselves up with a cloth or flannel until it’s time to wash certain areas. 

Try to create a calm, relaxing atmosphere. Take as much time as you need to ensure every body part is cleaned thoroughly, including under folds of skin. Be gentle and patient, and never try to rush them through the process of washing or rinsing. 

Keep the room at a comfortable temperature, so that your loved one isn’t too cold when they get out of the bath. Help them to dry thoroughly, and have a fresh set of comfortable clothes or pyjamas ready to put on.

Visit Complete Care Shop today to discover our complete range of bathroom aids and washing aids for the elderly. If you need help choosing the right products for you or your loved one, don’t hesitate to contact us.