Difficult Conversation re need for bathing

[zoey3270]

Good Morning All,

I have had a conversation with a resident in assisted living who is alert, confused and keeps refusing to shower. She thinks she is clean however she has a strong body odor, family is upset as she will not even allow them to help her shower. All employees have tried to explain the health issues regarding this, we have even asked if we could just wash and set her hair to get her in the shower but with no success. Resident is "highly insulted" by our request and PCP's only suggestion is nursing home. Has anyone had this experience and what would you suggest?

[CT Pixie, BSN, RN]

Which idea worked?

[sauconyrunner]

I want to know what worked as well!!!

[Hygiene Queen]

Yaaaay!

Whoooooooopeeeeeee!

It worked!

Uh...

Which one?

Curiosity has grabbed me!

[zoey3270]

Sorry about that, I thought I was replying to the one that worked. Anyway it was the suggestion posted by Hygiene Queen:

"Ma'am, I don't know how to say this without hurting your feelings, but... but I do smell an odor and I know... I know I would be mortified and I just want to help you because I don't want other people to notice it. You are too nice and I just want to spare you that. I will help you. We can make it as quick or as long as you like and I will make sure you are kept warm and safe."

Took some time to convince her but she agreed to a shower.

Thanks to you all!

[caliotter3]

Yayyyy!!!!!!

[vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN]

This thread was awesome! Thank you all for the education on dealing with difficult issues with difficult patients.

[Hygiene Queen]

Oh good!I cannot tell you how pleased I am that it worked for you too.That's why they called me The Hygiene Queen... Lol!