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To you, showering may seem routine, but for our elderly folks, it’s a bit of a tussle sometimes. Think about trying to convince a stubborn 70-year-old grandma to get into the shower.
Helping someone else bathe, especially an older adult with all their well-earned independence, isn’t always a straightforward thing to do.
A lot of times, there’s resistance. Other times, you’re playing with all kinds of setups to make it work.
Here are the tools and techniques we’ve gathered from our caregivers on how to provide shower assistance for elderly folks at home.
We provide details you need to make the process easier, safer, and more comfortable for everyone involved: equipment, little adjustments, etc.
Essential Needs for Shower Assistance for Elderly
These are the most important things you need to provide shower assistance for elderly folks.
1. Mobility and Balance Support
Mobility support is a bit a mandatory necessity here.
For elderly individuals with reduced balance or strength, the bathroom can be one of the most dangerous rooms in the house.
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Grab bars
Grab bars, for example, are some of the best investments.
These bars attach directly to walls inside and outside the shower, giving the user something to hold onto and prevent falls.
Look for ADA-compliant bars with a textured grip, which are easier to hold even if hands are wet.
Models with stainless steel or high-grade plastic hold up well in humid conditions, with prices around $20-$50 for basic models at hardware stores or online.
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Non-slip mats
They can add another, much needed layer of safety, both in the shower and right outside it.
For in-shower mats, go for those with strong suction cups to prevent slipping—most start around $15.
Outside the shower, look for absorbent, rubber-backed mats that won’t slip. Avoid mats that don’t absorb water well, since they can become just as hazardous.
And then use the right shoes for elderly folks, especially if you have one with balance problems.
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Shower chairs
Shower chairs are really good for your seniors who struggles with balance or endurance. You can get foldable models on Amazon, they’re great if you’re tight on space.
Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold the person’s weight comfortably.
Good shower chair options have rubber-tipped legs and adjustable heights, and you can find models for $30-$60.
Caregivers swear by portable toilet seats (without the chamber pot) for added support, as they offer back support while washing.
This option is pricier, usually $60-$100, but worth the investment.
By the way, this article gives you some of the best solutions for balance and falls in elderly folks are as recommended by expert caregivers.
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Handheld showerheads
Handheld shower heads with long hoses make it easy to direct water exactly where it’s needed.
Look for models with a 6-foot hose, at least, and a sturdy grip to avoid slipping. These are useful if the person needs to sit while showering and are easy to find in the $20-$40 range.
2. Temperature Safety
Temperature sensitivity changes with age, and elderly skin is especially susceptible to burns.
A safe water temperature is around 105°F, and it’s worth setting the thermostat on your water heater accordingly.
For anyone prone to fluctuating sensation or confusion, a thermostatic shower control is an ideal addition, as it keeps the water at a consistent temperature.
Look for models that allow you to set a max temperature, generally priced between $40-$150.
An easy alternative is a digital thermometer you can attach to the showerhead to monitor water temperature.
While more basic models aren’t expensive (around $20), there are also pricier ones with instant color indicators that show if water is too hot or cold.
How to Address Resistance and Encourage Showering Habits
Resistance can stem from anything from modesty to fear of slipping.
Some elderly individuals are naturally modest and may feel uncomfortable being vulnerable in front of a caregiver, even if they’re family.
For others, it’s about discomfort with water temperature or the physical effort involved in showering.
Now, if you’re dealing with a senior who’s resistant to showering, like a lot of us caregivers are, there are interesting strategies you can use to get em over the line.
Practical Tips to Encourage Showering
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Set Up and Assist
Get everything ready before hand. Prepare the bathroom with everything needed: towels, soap, shampoo, a shower seat, and any required safety items.
You’re doing to streamline the process and keep it short and efficient, which can help a senior who dreads a lengthy ordeal.
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Empathy and Gentle Encouragement
Instead of nagging, try gentle encouragement. And don’t give up after just one try.
One caregiver shared that they never took “no” for an answer and always ensured their clients stayed clean. Staying consistent and positive can do a lot of good.
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Keep Them Involved
Where possible, let them wash their arms, legs, or other less sensitive areas, just so they feel some sense of independence.
Even something as small as holding the washcloth can make them feel in control, reducing the resistance they might have initially.
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How to Help an Elderly Person with Showering: Step-by-Step
Here’s a simple guide we follow.
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Prepare the Bathroom
Prepping the bathroom should always be top of your aging parents care checklist. Place a towel within arm’s reach and ensure the shower mat is secure.
Set up the shower chair and handheld showerhead if available, positioning everything for easy access.
Have toiletries within reach, ideally at a level that doesn’t require bending.
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Prepare the Elderly Person (Keep em comfortable)
A bit of extra comfort can go a long way here.
Offer a warm towel or a robe before and after the shower, check the water temperature, and don’t rush. Sometimes, all they need is a calm start.
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Some Shower Assistance Techniques to Use
Use a handheld showerhead so you can better control where the water flows, which can be helpful for sensitive areas.
Communicate as you go. You could ask if the water’s too warm or if they’d like to handle a certain part themselves.
Afterward, apply a gentle moisturizer to keep their skin comfortable and hydrated.
How To Make Showering More Comfortable and Enjoyable
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Keep Warm Towels and Blankets Nearby
Nothing beats a warm towel after a shower, especially for those who feel the cold more intensely. A towel warmer can be a wonderful addition, especially in colder months.
These small machines keep towels cozy and warm, which can make the experience more pleasant. Prices range from $50-$150 depending on the size and brand.
After the shower, wrap them in a pre-warmed towel to prevent the post-shower chills.
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Create a Relaxing Environment
Music, lighthearted conversation, even a bit of singing if it’s your style. It all helps make the experience feel less clinical.
An easy-going, cheerful atmosphere can take the edge off any nerves.
One caregiver shared that they used to sing to their elderly clients during shower time, which helped lighten the mood and made the experience enjoyable.
We’ve also got a long list of insanely funny quotes on aging that you can use to lighten up the mood.
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Encourage a Positive Experience
Dignity is a big part of this process. You really want to maintain a respectful and caring attitude because it helps avoid discomfort or embarrassment.
You can use simple affirmations, like reassuring them that this daily routine keeps them comfortable and healthy.
Small things like these can actually make your 70-year-old feel really good about bathing, I kid you not.
How to Keep Elderly Folks Safe When Showering
Safety is probably the biggest for anyone taking a senior into a bathroom. Here’s how you can keep a safe environment for them:
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Prepare for Falls
Falls can happen, but they’re much less likely when you have the right tools in place. Grab bars are essential, especially those placed both inside and outside the shower.
Consider additional supports like bath lifts or even waterproof alert devices, which can be lifesaving if the person is showering alone. These devices range in price but start around $100.
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Respect Their Privacy and Preferences
Respecting personal preferences, like choosing the gender of the caregiver, matters. It’s always worth asking how they feel about different options.
In most cases, a calm, professional attitude is what counts most, but comfort is essential.
Product Recommendations for Safer Showering
We recommend getting these products to make the bathrooms a safe place for your elderly loved ones:
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Shower Chairs and Transfer Benches
Shower chairs range from basic models to deluxe versions with padded seats and height adjustments.
Look for models with anti-slip feet and consider investing in a transfer bench for tub showers if stepping in is a challenge.
Some of the best options are foldable, with price ranges from $40 to $100.
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Grab Bars and Non-Slip Mats
Grab bars are your first line of defense. Install them at reachable heights on the walls surrounding the shower and outside the door.
Prices start around $20, and options include stainless steel and textured grips.
For mats, choose ones with strong suction cups for a firm hold, and ensure they are large enough to cover the entire shower floor.
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Handheld Showerheads and Temperature Controls
A handheld showerhead with a 6-foot hose allows for easy maneuverability. Look for multi-setting heads that let you adjust the water pressure, which can feel gentler on sensitive skin.
Prices start around $20 and go up depending on added features. Thermostatic controllers are great for consistent temperature control, ideal for those sensitive to sudden temperature changes.
Final Tips When Providing Shower Assistance for Elderly Parents
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Prepare Everything in Advance
Have everything from towels to shower chairs in place. It’s a small but impactful detail that makes the experience more comfortable and efficient.
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Keep Communication Open
Check in with them before, during, and after the shower. They may have feedback that can make the process smoother next time, and it reinforces that their comfort is your top priority.
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Be Ready to Adjust
Flexibility is key. Their needs may change, and having the patience to adjust will make all the difference.
Be open to trying new approaches if they express discomfort with any part of the routine.
If all this is a bit too much for you and everything else you have going on; you’re starting to feel trapped caring for a loved one, please consider a professional caregiver.
This article shows you how to hire the right a caregiver for your needs, at a great price.
Final Thoughts
As a quick resume, this is how you provide shower assistance for elderly parents at home:
You install the right tools like grab bars, non-slip mats and shower chairs; you create a warm and supportive tempo; and you communicate like you actually care.
Dr. Ella Njike is the branch administrator for Global One Home Care, Boston, an agency that provides quality care for seniors and kids or adults with disabilities. With a Doctorate and extensive experience working in the healthcare industry, Dr Ella brings a unique understanding to the challenges families face. Through Global One Home Care Boston, he ensures that care extends beyond daily tasks, focuses on building genuine connections and respecting each family's journey.
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