Washing problems
Hi nanny2twins and others,
Washing and "the changing of the clothes" are also my problem with MIl and, yes, we're in the same house so I can do a dive and retrieve for grubby clothes - which also involves frisking her bedroom for hidden items..... She can dress herself perfectly well but can't tell if someting is stained and thouroughly dislikes changing her bra (i think its because its difficult but she won't have a slip one one). I can get her yo change out of unsuitable clothes but only if she is going out, like the day centre... I have actually had to day "you're not going like that!" On one occasion, but usually her sense of pride wins through and she'll swap clothes.
But washing is so tricky! I suspect her generation, and living in the country without hot water on tap, makes bathing a luxury, and a difficult manoeuvre at her age. A good strip wash is what she aims for, but sometimes I think she just goes into the bathroom, forgets what she's doing and tootles out again. Even on a day when she's made a good attempt, things like backs and feet never get a look in. Her makeup and nails are always perfect though.
I have tried everything I know, including wearing my work uniform, to give some assistance but she refuses. In most cases, when starting out on this road, I'd suggest getting carers in for a short while at least, just to create a oattern, but MIL saw them off pretty sharpish and they won't push the issue on time-measured domiciliary visits. Bathing at day centres is an option but we've been on the waiting list for 12 months at least! Any other ideas gratefully received...we resort to using Febreze fabric spray to minimise the lack of freshness... But this really isn't the answer.