How To Help Someone Shower

Many people find themselves in the awkward position of having to bathe someone else. If you feel uncomfortable assisting someone with their personal care, you’re not alone.

In this video, we’ll show you how to give the person you’re caring for a shower. This will help them feel refreshed and help prevent infection.

To make things less awkward, while you help with a shower, you can try chatting with them about unrelated topics or have music playing and get them to do as much as possible for themselves

Let’s try it!

Save some time by getting everything you’ll need first.

Use whatever shampoo and soap they like, same for any skincare products like lotions or prescription creams

Have a few washcloths and towels on hand and be sure to get their clean clothes including any undergarments or briefs that they use

For safety, it’s a good idea for both of you to wear non-slip shoes or slippers and has non-slip safety mats in place. If the person you’re caring for uses a shower chair, make sure it is in place properly before you start.

There are so many different types of chairs to choose from, which can be overwhelming. An occupational therapist can help you and the person you’re caring for decide which type would be best for them and their home. The therapist can also help you with other bathroom safety items like grab bars.

Using a detachable showerhead also makes this a lot easier. If you aren’t able to change your permanent showerhead, a portable one like this could be a good option

Alright, let’s begin!

Help the person you’re caring for into the shower, If there isn’t a lot of space in your bathroom, you can help them undress and get into a robe before going in the bathroom.

Once they’re sitting, get them to work with you to get the water temperature right. Prevent burns by testing the water on the back of your hand before checking the temperature with the person you’re caring for

Start by helping them wash their hair. If they can’t tilt their head back have them look down at their toes and hold a clean washcloth over their face so soap won’t get in their eyes.

Rinse their hair with water, lather their shampoo and rinse with water again until the water runs clear. If they use conditioner, follow the same steps.

Using soap on a washcloth, gently help them wash their upper body and then legs and feet. Try not to rub hard, especially in sensitive areas like skin folds or under breasts. Rinse well with water.

Some people only need help with their hair or washing their back. If this is the case for you, give them privacy to wash on their own, but be close by in case they need help.

The most awkward part of the process is also the most important. Finish up the shower by helping them wash their genitals.

Once the water is turned off, the person you’re caring for can get cold very quickly. Wrap them in a large towel while you help pat dry the rest of their body.

Apply any lotions or creams that they would like and help them get dressed. Put on non-slip shoes before they stand.

If their shower chair doesn’t extend out of a tub, having the person you’re caring for sit on the toilet to dry off and get dressed is also a good option.

Helping someone with personal care, like giving a shower, can make you feel uneasy. You can build confidence in your skills as a caregiver with practice and using tools like this video to help.

For more caregiver support and resources, be sure to visit our CareChannel.