I'm looking for ideas about where to look for someone to give mom a shower at home. I've googled, I've yelped, I've used Agingcare of course and a place for mom. The handful of agencies around me have minimums of 2-6 hours and also a higher rate for those minimums. One even advertises no minimums and that they can do a 30 min visit, yet they told me it was a 3 hour minimum on the phone. So right now, it's looking like $100/shower. Is that just how much it costs?
I'm avoiding picking random people on CL. I tried asking a social worker but she suggested that I ask around people I know to see if they knew of anyone. I'm also thinking about dropping by the local senior center and asking them. Any other suggestions?
Alternatively, do nursing homes, AL facilities, etc offer shower services? Is that it a possibility that I can drive her there like an outpatient?
https://www.medicareinteractive.org/get-answers/medicare-covered-services/home-health-care-benefit-part-a-and-b/types-of-home-health-care-that-medicare-will-pay-for
Your loved one would need to qualify for other services, like skilled nursing to qualify for a bath aide. But it is worth asking about, IMO.
I'll try calling daycare and hospice places.
Is there a safety concern. Grab bars, chair non slip surfaces ?
There are 100$ reasons to do it yourself, self respect, closeness, and you get to know what’s going on on the body, sores, rashes, you never know what. Plus an intimacy, you can clean and massage necks, rub feet and check nails. Trim them, all soft an clean. Shampoos are very relaxing, take your time. There’s no shame in love.
The director told me that the program is partially covered by a grant from the Agency on Aging. That's why they only ask for a small donation. I feel really fortunate to have this available. Hopefully you will be able to find a similar program in your area.
Moen Adj Height Transfer Bench DN7105 has wide third leg that nestles against tub outside so it’s very stable. If you have “garden” style tub in BA, this model can be raised up enough to clear over the garden height
The alternative is you can shower her. Or you can sponge-bath her using Aloe Vesta soaps (Foaming or Regular) - no rinse. If you use the Regular Aloe Vesta, it is 1 ounce to a gallon of water - some Hospice and HomeHealth will even provide it as part of their services. If she is able to do her privates, let her. This is what they do in the hospital and most likely nursing homes. I'm not sure about the NH.
I shower my DH whenever he is willing to get into the tub. I have a stool and I use a "shower wand" for wetting & rinsing. Otherwise I use the Aloe Vesta and sponge-bath him.
The only reason I didn't shower my Dad was because he was still cognizant and it would have embarrassed him for his daughter to do it. He didn't even let the 'lady' from HomeHealthCare do it. So I bought him a stool and we put in an adjustable shower wand bar and he was able to do it himself in the shower stall.
Thankfully, they only need to shower about once a week - but I think my father showered himself a lot more often.
Millennium House of SW Florida
Senior citizen center in Bonita Springs, Florida
Address: 8951 Bonita Beach Rd SE # 297, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Phone: (239) 992-5513