If a resident requests to have their bath later, what should you do?

Offering to come back later to respect the resident's wishes demonstrates a fundamental aspect of person-centered care, which emphasizes the importance of autonomy and choice in care settings. Residents have the right to make decisions about their own personal care, including when they prefer to bathe. By accommodating their request, you are fostering a sense of control and dignity, which is crucial for their well-being and satisfaction with care.

In contrast, insisting on bathing them now disregards their preferences and can lead to feelings of frustration or resentment. Informing them about the importance of daily bathing is important in educating them, but it does not honor their current request for a later time. Leaving the decision for the next shift undermines the continuity of care and can lead to confusion or a lack of trust in the caregivers' attentiveness to the resident's needs. Respecting the resident's choice and offering to return later aligns with ethical caregiving practices and supports a positive caregiver-resident relationship.