Because of my limb functionality loss, I've had to rely heavily on caregivers for many of my daily tasks and personal needs. Though I've taught myself many of those tasks, I'm often asking for help in doing them to save my energy or to spare me physical discomfort. Over the years, I've had to work with women that I've just met and allow them to care for my personal needs. As I got older, doing so became more and more of a challenge and I learned many things in my experiences: tips, dos, don'ts, personality fits, and personality no-ways.e most intimate tasks that I sometimes need help with is bathing.
Bathing, everybody knows, is a very private experience and as such, can cause one to be very mindful of how exposed they are at every moment. When I need caregiver aid in this, I need to know that my caregiver respects this and my dignity, fully. I need to trust her to follow my direction and requests, without challenging them, unless it's a safety issue. Thankfully, two friends of the family that have acted as my caregivers both have nursing experience.
Nonetheless, it could still be a bit awkward. I've had to be exposed in front of male nurses while I was cleaned up or my bed dressing was changed, and have briefly worked with male assistants. (I will do a blog post on working with an aid of the opposite gender, later on... Stay tuned)
MY TIPS FOR AN EASY BATHING EXPERIENCE WITH CAREGIVER AID AND WHY:
1.) plan ahead: tell your caregiver how you want things to go. Mention specific positions and when you'd like to be in them, as well as the best way you'd like them to assist you into them. Mention any supplies you'll need, like cloths, soap, towels and an extended scrubby. Tell them what you need help with, such as rinsing your hair or washing your back, or under your arms. Tell them how you get in and out of the bath and the amount of assistance you will need. Tell them whether or not they need to stay with you while you bathe, or when to come back or check on you.
2.) Cover up going into the tub: your caregiver could cover you with a towel as you get undressed and go into the bath. This will help you feel more discrete.
3.) look away while your carer is helping you: either look down or shut your eyes while your caregiver is assisting you, whenever possible. This may help ease any anxiety you may feel
4.) Tell jokes, get to know your carer: ease any uneasiness by making both of you laugh and ask about your caregivers nursing experience. Both of my caregivers worked directly with children who were severely physically challenged, and knowing this relaxed me a bit. I knew they were used to doing this and that they were willing to listen to my needs.
5.) Accept it: as hard as this may be for some people, especially young adults, if you accept the help when you need it, a weight will lift from your shoulders. It is okay to need help with personal needs, and if you go into it with a positive attitude, the easier the experience. Use these times as chances to learn new ways of furthering your independence; perhaps your caregiver could give you some suggestions or he/she could help you learn to bathe yourself, by directing you as you hold the objects, etc.