Nursing home personal hygiene question

naughtysmurf

I have an elderly female relative, mid eighties, in a nursing home, mobile but with dementia, semi incontinent, found out today that she & I assume all the other residents only get showered once a week.

This surprised me, the home in question would generally speaking have a good reputation, just wondering what others think of this generally or from experience of other nursing homes

thanks

GoogleBot

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058243663/nursing-home-personal-hygiene-question

That's an improvement, before they used to do once/twice a month. And in early 19th century they used sponge soaked in cool water and vinegar.

I agree they should have access to shower every day, that would also improve the relationship between residents and personnel.

lucalux

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058243663/nursing-home-personal-hygiene-question

Same experience with a relative, once a week. Not ideal.

They tend to use the sani wipes/bath wipes when changing incontinence wear.

Depending on the person's mobility and levels of awareness, it can be a big ordeal to get them into the shower safely. Most usually need two staff members assisting for everyone's safety.

Staffing issues are definitely a part of it.

naughtysmurf

Ok thanks, it may be the norm but from my perspective it means they are not clean(ish) for 5/7 days which isn’t really good enough at 1k a week

Graces7

In childhood ( nearly 80) we had a bath/hairwash only every Saturday night. The rest of the week we washed. Just the " heavy duty" areas. I do not recall anyone smelling bad etc. Many houses did not have a bath and we never had a shower fitted in the house .

Ideas and practices have changed along with common facilities, and I still would do as I did in chidlhood.

naughtysmurf

That’s all well & good but when dealing with dementia sufferers who are mobile even hand washing after using the toilet can go out the window never mind washing your hand, face & bits