When a parent requires care, it is often the adult child who provides the care that is necessary. Usually, providing care involves the activities of daily living (ADLs). These can include:
- Functional mobility
- Personal hygiene
- Bathing
- Toileting
- Dressing
- Eating
As loving caregivers, of course, you want to assist your elderly parent to accomplish all of these activities safely and efficiently, while maintaining privacy and dignity.
But some ADLs—like bathing and toileting—involve greater issues of personal privacy. If you are a son or daughter and you are the sole caregiver to your adult parent, these activities can be awkward, uncomfortable, or even embarrassing. How can you safely assist your parent with intimate activities but still preserve your parent’s privacy and dignity?
Five Suggestions for Respecting Privacy and Dignity.
1. Discuss the activity.
The goal is to complete the activity safely and with dignity.
Is there a reason you think your parent will not be safe performing this activity on their own?
Did your parent ask for your assistance or object to it?
Does your parent actually feel uncomfortable with you helping them dress or bathe, or do you just think they do?
Discuss the activity and any reservations about it. If your parent feels confident that they can complete the activity independently and still be safe, then let them. If they have a history of falls or do not feel confident, and they are not embarrassed or uncomfortable with you helping them, then help them with these personal activities.
2. Use assistive devices.
Your parent may be able to perform personal activities with privacy if they use assistive devices that enhance their safety or ability to perform the activity independently. Appropriate devices may include:
- Shower safety bars
- Bath seats
- Bath mats
- If assistance is required, try to minimize the uncomfortable circumstances:
- Prepare all necessities before assisting
- Provide a cover-up for bathing
- Stay close by without engaging, unless necessary for safety
- A home care provider will be able to assess your specific needs and suggest proper devices or accessories for additional safety.
3. Encourage independence.
It is important for elderly adults to be independent. Encourage them to exercise the skills they do have and provide positive reinforcement for what they are able to accomplish on their own. Do not do for them what they are willing and able to do for themselves.
4. Be patient.
It may be quicker and easier to assist your parent in the activity, but be patient. Stay close to listen if they need assistance, but let them complete the task privately if they are able. There is dignity in the accomplishment of caring for one’s self.
5. Consider home care assistance.
It is natural that a son or daughter might feel embarrassed or uncomfortable assisting a mother or father with intimate activities like toileting and bathing. If you or your parent feel uncomfortable in any activity, a professional home care provider will be able to assist.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring a Caregiver in Sunny Vale, CA, contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today.
Call (866)-940-4855
Sources:
Seniorliving.org
Huffingtonpost.ca
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