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Relative's Lack Of Personal Hygiene Routine
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How do you go about suggesting to a relative (aged 76) that their hygiene is very lack ie they're not washing themselves, or changing their clothes for days on end. The relative doesn't suffer from any mental illness like dementia, so they must know that they're not washing anymore. We want to approach the subject but don't know how to go about it. Thanks in advance.
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No best answer has yet been selected by JeniPeni. Once a best answer has been selected, it will be shown here.
For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.I guess it depends on what sort of relationship you have with them.
If it's a relative you see often, you could try buying them some nice body wash or bubble bath as a treat. You could offer to put a wash on for them when you visit or take ironing home to help out.
It's a really difficult issue to have to bring up. Good luck.
If it's a relative you see often, you could try buying them some nice body wash or bubble bath as a treat. You could offer to put a wash on for them when you visit or take ironing home to help out.
It's a really difficult issue to have to bring up. Good luck.
As they are that age they may be a bit not caring any more, especially if they dont go out much. As you are related it is best just to talk to them on lines of are they having any problems with the bath or shower (access etc). Could be difficulty, or not wanting to waste water or something else.
Also with the clothes - maybe they are not wanting to waste electricity or water with more frequent washing. You need to find the problem before it can be solved.
Also with the clothes - maybe they are not wanting to waste electricity or water with more frequent washing. You need to find the problem before it can be solved.
Could you speak to her GP?
If she is having mobility issues getting in and out of the bath, maybe she could get some help from a carer to wash and dress?
It may be that she doesn't want you to help her do this things as it may hurt her pride. Sometimes people find it easier when a carer takes over these duties.
If she is having mobility issues getting in and out of the bath, maybe she could get some help from a carer to wash and dress?
It may be that she doesn't want you to help her do this things as it may hurt her pride. Sometimes people find it easier when a carer takes over these duties.
I agree about washing, conne, and I change my underwear every day, but I don't change my outer clothing every day, if it's still clean enough to go a second day. More likely to change every day in hot weather.
What about a shower, jeni? Many older people are scared of being stuck in the bath if they can't get out. Even a daily flannel wash is enough for most people. Do they clean their teeth, and daily maintenance stuff like that?
What about a shower, jeni? Many older people are scared of being stuck in the bath if they can't get out. Even a daily flannel wash is enough for most people. Do they clean their teeth, and daily maintenance stuff like that?
We have thought about going to the GP to see if he could suggest anything. She used to be a home-carer herself but I know for sure she wouldn't want anyone to come in and help her with that. She will occasionally stand at the bathroom sink and wash her bits, but never a proper wash. And I couldn't tell you the last time she washed her hair properly.
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