There comes a time when age has finally caught up with us that even the simplest, most mundane tasks seem impossible to achieve. This is especially true if you have a senior loved one that you need to take care of. As they age or become ill, they may need assistance doing some chores, moving around the house, or even using the toilet.
It’s not always easy to assist them with these tasks, but you’re better off knowing how to do it with them. Even if that person is pretty independent, the least you can do is make the necessary preparations so they won’t have trouble using the toilet. This can be beneficial to you and those who provide hospice care at home. Here are some recommendations on helping your aging parents and loved ones use the toilet safely.
What Bathroom Issues Might Seniors Face at Home
Those tasks we call activities of daily living (ADLs) can become increasingly difficult to carry out as people age, including using the bathroom. Seniors may face bathroom challenges due to the natural changes in the body that come with aging or brought about by an illness, like frailty or loss of some mobility. For others, the side effects of medication can also contribute to these changes, as can lifestyle factors like diet and exercise. Some of the common toileting challenges that seniors face include:
- Incontinence
- Constipation
- Slipping and Falling
- Mobility Issues
Facing Challenges in the Bathroom
In order to protect our elderly loved ones and to assist them, there are certain steps you need to take to make sure they are comfortable enough while using the bathroom. Those who provide home care assistance recommend the following preparations that could come in handy when assisting an aging adult:
- Waterproof Mattress Pads
- Handrails Near the Toilet
- Incontinence Pads and Diapers
- A Commode, Bedpan, or Urinal
- A Removable Raised Toilet Seat
You’ll also find it useful to learn your loved one’s routine to allow plenty of time for you to help them move to the bathroom or commode without rushing. If they are in a facility, ask how frequently they take the individual to the bathroom or set an alarm to remind them to go often. Some find it useful to create a chart as part of their routine.
Perhaps the most important form of help you can do is to remodel your bathroom, so it’s easier to use. Having grab bars and handrails installed to assist getting up and down are beneficial.. You can also install non-slip decals to tubs and tiles to minimize slip risk. These can be an expensive approach, but making your bathroom more senior-friendly will be the biggest comfort you can provide for them.
Offering Physical Help
Unfortunately, sometimes even those preparations might not be enough to allow every senior to use the bathroom alone. There are times when offering physical help is just what they need. When this happens, avoid rushing the person. You can offer help taking their clothes off or just sit them down, walk away, and come back when they’re finished. The same applies to putting their pants and clothes back on. Most importantly, give them as much privacy and modesty as possible.
Hospice Care Provider in Atlanta GA: Golden Rule Hospice
Serving as a caregiver to an elderly loved one isn’t always easy. It takes a lot of effort and patience to do it, especially if your loved one is having some bathroom issues. These tips are designed to help you with that and provide the highest level of care and comfort for your elderly loved one.
Golden Rule Hospice is committed to delivering exceptional care and support to patients and their caregivers. We take pride in our compassion and our ability to understand the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of terminally ill and aging individuals as well as their families. If you need reliable hospice care in Atlanta or Alpharetta, GA, please do not hesitate to contact us. Give us a call at (470) 395-6567 to schedule a free consultation.
We live by the Golden Rule
Treat others the way you would like to be treated.
