to wonder why some people want a strip wash?

[sweetlilacsinspring]

I am working a bit for a home care agency. One of the things that's surprised me is how many people don't want a bath or shower, even when they have a specially adapted wet room, but a strip wash on the bed using soap and flannels. You can never get the soap off properly and it must be so drying. Plus surely it's itchy and uncomfortable - a shower would be much more refreshing?

Does anybody strip wash instead of showering?

I'm with posters saying it may be generational. One of my Grandmas has always washed over the basin with a flannel daily and bathed a couple times a week- she'd think anything more was wasteful. My other Gramda is 5 years older (90) and wouldn't dream of doing that but they've always been more well off so wouldn't be thinking of water bills.

It was one of my favourite parts of being a hca tbh. Giving someone who looked all askew and dishevelled a good old bed bath and sheet change, getting them all neat and comfy maybe I'm odd.

I've had injuries from accidents that have severely limited mobility and dexterity for some time and more recently the same relating to an inflammatory arthritis.

I'd definitely have rather had a shower in a wet room in preference to a strip wash. I can't bear residual soap on my skin.

I'd like a wet room.

Why the zombie threads ffs

I'd never had a strip wash until I was in intensive care for three days earlier this year, and had always assumed it would be inadequate, uncomfortable, undignified. To my amazement it was a soothing, calming experience. The wet flannel was refreshing, there was no soapy residue ( if there is, do you need to use less initially?) and it left me feeling much more alive and happy. Also; cared for in a way that's unusual for an adult ( we're rarely helpless, and gently tended to). Maybe some of that is how your clients feel too?

The sensation of a shower can be frightening and painful for those suffering from dementia.
A strip wash carried out correctly can be just as good as a shower (use two bowels, one to wash and one to rinse and several flannels). It is easier to keep an individual’s dignity with a strip wash.

Flannels must surely be an age thing.
MIL had two flannels, one for her face, and the other for her body.
And perhaps a third for the nether regions.
She was always scrupulously clean, and back in the days of her childhood, a bath twice a week was considered ample.
I had a strip wash in hospital once, and although the carer was lovely, I'd have far preferred to get into the shower, but wasn't allowed.

flannels also used to be boiled in a bit of vinegar {I think} to get the soap residue out of them.
Soapy skin...ugh!

I've had strip wash & hair wash when something was being done to bath/shower, and I managed to get the soap off. I was actually the same as always. However it is different if you do it yourself than if someone else washes you. For a start you don't just use one bowl of water.

Using a sponge was easier than a flannel.

Sorry, I should have said more. I can't compare myself as a fit person to someone who is sick.

I think people who are sick enough to need personal care often find it very difficult to even sit in the shower. They are scared of falling and also may be in pain, so a thorough wash will do because it requires little or no effort on their part.

I know carers have time constraints but whenever you can, do the wash carefully and thoroughly (I'm not saying you don't), changing water frequently.

My mother in law needed personal care towards the end, bless her. I and the carers were very careful and thorough when it came to washing her, even her hair, so she was as fragrant in illness and old age as she was when younger.

Less effort.

Less chilly.

I like flannels!

If I understand correctly and you are there then it's less exposing than a shower etc as bit at a time.

@IAmANightOwl

My elderly FIL prefers a strip wash because he is a dirty, lazy so-and-so! He had a lovely wet room fitted last year, which he has hardly used. It has nothing to do with mobility as he can get off his ar$e to get into the kitchen to get something to eat, he is just lazy when it comes to washing!

Your poor FIL.

@Plumtree391

Sorry, I should have said more. I can't compare myself as a fit person to someone who is sick.

I think people who are sick enough to need personal care often find it very difficult to even sit in the shower. They are scared of falling and also may be in pain, so a thorough wash will do because it requires little or no effort on their part.

I know carers have time constraints but whenever you can, do the wash carefully and thoroughly (I'm not saying you don't), changing water frequently.

My mother in law needed personal care towards the end, bless her. I and the carers were very careful and thorough when it came to washing her, even her hair, so she was as fragrant in illness and old age as she was when younger.

No, you really didn't seen to say more because

**
THIS THREAD WAS STARTED IN 2014
*

and the OP probably doesn't need your advice anymore.

*need

I'm having to strip wash at the moment while my bathroom is being renovated. While I'm looking forward to having a shower again it's not nearly as bad as I thought it would be, and I feel clean without any soapy residue.

Thank you, EccentricaGalumbits :-).
I hadn't noticed it was an old thread.