How to help someone shower or bathe

Caring for a loved one who needs your assistance with basic needs such as bathing or showering is a responsibility that requires patience, sensitivity and attention to detail. With the right strategies, approach and equipment, you can make sure that the experience is safe, dignified and comfortable for both you and the person you’re assisting. 

In this article, we’ve put together our top tips on how to help someone shower or bathe along with recommendations for the best products available to make it an easier and more comfortable experience for everyone. Read on to find out more. 

Understanding individual needs

When learning how to help someone shower or bathe it is important to recognise that each person’s needs and preferences are unique. While you may be feeling anxious or worried about helping someone in such a private and intimate way, they too will likely be feeling the same. Therefore, open and respectful communication with the individual is key to understanding their preferences, limitations and any specific requirements they may have. 

You should both consider any physical limitations, mobility issues or cognitive impairments that may impact the bathing process and discuss these ahead of time. After talking to your loved one you may find that they’re capable of certain washing tasks and not others, and therefore you’ll know exactly which ways you need to be involved. By understanding their needs you can tailor the bathing experience to ensure comfort and dignity throughout. 

Ensuring safety

A common reason why someone may need help to shower and bathe is because they’re not mobile or stable enough to do it alone safely. Therefore, it is crucial that when learning how to help someone shower or bathe, you keep safety as your primary concern throughout. There are a wide range of bathroom aids and safety equipment available that you can use to limit the risk of slips and falls while washing and bathing. These include grab bars, non-slip mats and bathroom seating to increase safety for those with mobility issues when getting in and out of the bath or shower.

It is also crucial to maintain a safe water temperature to prevent scalding or discomfort, especially for individuals who may have sensory issues or reduced sensitivity to temperature changes. Similarly, if you’re caring for someone who is non-verbal or has communication issues, then you need to keep checking the water temperature regularly to ensure their comfort. 

We recommend that if you’re assisting someone with mobility issues or balance problems, you use caution and provide support to them as needed to prevent accidents and ensure their safety throughout.

Providing privacy and dignity

When it comes to helping someone shower or bathe, it’s important to respect their privacy and autonomy throughout the bathing process. Before you start, consider offering modesty garments and towels to help them feel more comfortable and dignified while being bathed. Take the washing process one step at a time. Creating a private and respectful environment can help to alleviate any potential embarrassment or discomfort that the person you’re caring for may feel during this task. 

Establishing a routine

Helping someone to shower or bathe can be daunting, to begin with, but a great way to make it easier for the person you’re helping is by establishing a consistent bathing schedule. This should align with their preferences and daily routine which can help promote a sense of stability and predictability. It is a lot easier to accept something when you are expecting it as part of your daily routine. 

You should communicate the bathing schedule in advance to help the person feel prepared and in control of the process. But ensure that you’re flexible and adaptable to accommodate changes in the bathing routine as needed, taking into account any health conditions or personal preferences they may have. Similarly, remember that you can’t force someone into this schedule - it has to be agreed by both of you. 

Using assistive devices and aids

When helping someone to shower or bathe it is important to make it as easy as possible. Therefore, you shouldn’t underestimate how useful assistive devices and aids can be to facilitate the bathing process for both you and the individual. 

For example, shower chairs are a useful bathroom aid to offer extra support and can be either wall-mounted or placed in the shower each time they’re needed. You may also find that with the stability of a shower chair, the individual can wash certain areas of the body alone with just your supervision and support if required. Similarly, bath seating and handheld showerheads can provide those with mobility challenges with support, control and stability, helping them to bathe more comfortably. 

Consider investing in specialised bathing equipment, such as transfer benches or bath lifts, to make the process easier and more manageable for everyone involved. Having the right equipment on hand to meet their needs can enhance their independence and overall bathing experience.

Encouraging independence

Another key aspect of helping someone shower or bathe is to encourage them to participate in the process as best they can wherever possible. This helps to promote a sense of autonomy and self-esteem and encourages them to take control of the experience. Be sure to provide prompts, cues, and encouragement to help them complete tasks independently while offering assistance as needed. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that they can’t do something and always encourage their participation.

Respect their desire for independence and allow them to take an active role in their own personal care whenever possible. By empowering the individual to participate in their bathing routine, you can promote a sense of dignity and self-confidence while fostering a more collaborative and respectful relationship.

For more information about the products and devices, we have available at Complete Care Shop to make showering or bathing someone a relaxing experience, check out our full range of bathroom aids here. Need more specialist advice? Get in touch today.