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C
coolbuss Asked March 2010

My dad can't use a shower, so I give him sponge baths, wash his hair in the sink, and frequently change his clothes. Is this enough?

I use a liquid body wash that does not need rinsing. The one used by NASA. Should I be getting a shower chair and using my walkin shower?

EXPERT Carol Bradley Bursack, CDSGF Mar 2010
You are doing very well. If he will shower, a shower chair and walk-in shower may be easier on both of you. I'd say, if possible, you could alternate the two. If he is frightened of the shower, you could check with a doctor, but it sounds like you are doing well.
Carol

JulieQ Sep 2010
I would try to give him a shower at least twice a month, if possible. If he is willing, that makes it all the easier. Make sure the stream of water isn't too harsh for his skin. My mother complained about that. If need be, you can always fill up a pan and wash from there. I think they just feel better and sleep better when they have a nice shower. You can also inspect his body for any sores or pressure points you may miss with just sponge bathing.

If money isn't an issue, having a CNA come in to do hiw bath is worth the money. Usually, they charge less than $25.

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195Austin Mar 2010
It sounds like you are doing great a bed bath is ok as lonf as they are clean and you use a lotion for dry skin and keep presure off boney areas.

robskirocks3 Sep 2014
you can also get the foam rince free shampoo. and i think pantente has a dry hair wash. it smells really good, but personally i like the foam rince free shampoo. i get a large washcloth / handtowel and make my gpa wash his face first ears /neck chest. and get the cloth wet again with hot water, add foam for shampoo,and he feels good and smells real good. i ususally wash the top half of him one day then the next wash the bottom. but do his face and hair everyday... works pretty good. good luck. god bless. walgreens and medical supply stores have these products. they are kinda expensive. shampoo about 15.00but so worth it.

robskirocks3 Sep 2014
also we do this right on the side of his bed.he has a port a potty on the side of his bed. thats to prevent anymore midnite falls.

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