As seniors age, sometimes they exhibit sudden changes in their behavior that can be difficult to address. One common example of this is not bathing. There are many factors that can contribute to a sudden hesitation to bathe, and sometimes family members and professionals need to step in to address the issue.
Whether a senior is living independently or enjoying assisted living in Bradenton, Florida, keeping up a hygiene routine is critical for physical and mental well-being.
Reasons a Senior Won’t Bathe
There are many reasons why a senior may express a sudden hesitation to bathe. They may be experiencing:
- Pain when in the shower or tub
- A fear of falling on slippery surfaces in the bathroom
- Mental health challenges, such as loneliness, depression, or anxiety
- Forgetfulness and other cognitive symptoms
Seniors can experience one or several challenges that impact their desire or ability to maintain a bathing routine.
How to Help a Senior Who Won’t Bathe
If you notice that a loved one is experiencing anxiety about bathing or is simply skipping out on daily grooming activities, it is important that someone intervene.
Seniors don’t simply stop being interested in daily grooming activities; usually, it is caused by an underlying problem. Take the time to talk to your loved one to understand what is going on and how the issue can be addressed.
Another way to help is to seek help from a medical professional. If the senior is experiencing mental health challenges, a doctor may be able to prescribe medication or recommend therapy to alleviate some of the symptoms.
Finally, ensuring the senior has the care they need can often address gaps in everyday grooming activities. Having a caregiver available to assist seniors with daily activities like bathing can make a huge difference in the senior’s quality of life.
Senior Care in Assisted Living in Bradenton, Florida
For seniors who are struggling with daily activities, Sarasota assisted living can be a good solution. Caregivers in assisted living can provide the support that seniors need. They are also trained to identify signs that a senior is struggling with fear, mental health, or an underlying medical condition.
With a little attention from a loved one, seniors can get the help or care they need to get back on track with their normal bathing schedule.
