Your dad needs help with daily showers. It’s stressful for both of you. He doesn’t like having to rely on you. You both find it a little bit awkward. What are your options for making morning showers less stressful for you both?

Invest in a Shower Chair

If your dad needs help in the shower, it’s likely that he would benefit from having a chair to sit on while he’s showering. Some showers have built-in seats at one end. If not, a chair with rubberized suction feet is ideal. The feet keep it from slipping.

Install Grab Bars

While you’re helping him get in and out of the shower or bathtub, you want him to hold onto you for support. It’s also beneficial to have grab bars he can hold while you dry him off. Install them inside the tub or shower and on the wall right next to the tub or shower’s entry point.

Maintain a Level of Privacy With Extra Towels

While bathing, an extra towel helps him maintain a level of privacy. Unwrap areas one at a time to wash him. When one area is finished, cover him back up. Not only will this help with privacy concerns, but it also keeps him warm.

At the end of the shower, have a warm towel or robe he can wrap up in. It keeps him warm while you dry him off and apply moisturizer, style his hair, and help him shave if necessary.

Get a Hand-Held Shower Wand

It’s easy to change a showerhead for a hand-held shower wand. Unscrew the old showerhead, add some bead tape if needed, and screw on the hand-held shower wand. Check for leaks and tighten if necessary.

This hand-held shower wand is helpful in washing one area at a time. You control where the water is spraying, which makes it easier to keep the rest of him covered up. If you’re washing his feet, his torso can be wrapped up for warmth and privacy.

Is a Walk-In Tub Affordable?

Some older adults find the expense of a walk-in tub is worth it. Walk-in tubs have a seat, hand-held shower wand, and a sealing door that turns the shower into a jetted tub if a bath is designed. The seat is the right height for making it easy to stand up or sit down. Grab bars are also built-in.

Have Caregivers Take Over That Daily Task

Instead of being the one to help your dad, ask about caregivers. He may find it less stressful to have a professional caregiver helping him with showers and dressing. Once he’s done, you can help him with other tasks like getting breakfast, paying bills, and remembering to take his prescriptions.

How do you arrange home care services? Call an agency and talk about the things your dad needs help completing. You’ll find out prices and decide on a schedule.

If you or an aging loved one is considering caregivers in Woodbury, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.