You reach for a towel after a shower, and it leaves skin red, scratchy or sore. Finding the best bath towels for seniors can fix that, and it is easier than it sounds.
This article covers why delicate skin, dry skin, mobility, bowel incontinence and privacy all matter, what to look for in a towel, and a few soft picks. It also covers some alternatives, and tips for using towels.
It is one more bathroom item worth choosing with care.
Quick Picks
Here is a quick list of recommended bath towels. Keep reading to learn more about shopping for bath towels for someone you love.
Why Might Older Adults Need a Special Bath Towel? 5 Key Reasons
1. Delicate Skin
Thin, fragile skin can tear easily. Sun exposure, genetics and some medicines can all play a part.
Some medicines, such as corticosteroids, can thin the skin. Do not change any medicine, and ask the doctor if you have questions. Either way, a soft bath towel helps keep skin safe when rubbing it dry.
2. Dry Skin
Dry skin, also known as xerosis, is a common skin problem. Dry skin cracks more easily because it loses water.
That could cause itching, bleeding, and asteatotic dermatitis. A good towel for the aged should therefore be free of toxins and gentle to prevent cracks.
3. Mobility Issues
Weak strength and poor balance can make simple daily activities and bathing harder. Some people may find it hard to hold a bulky towel, or may drop it in the bathroom while showering.
Others are entirely bedridden, which complicates the bathing process. In such a case, you need a super thick, absorbent towel that can keep water off the bed when cleaning them.
4. Fecal Incontinence
Also called bowel incontinence, it’s the inability to control bowel movements.
Bowel incontinence can mean extra laundry. Look for a towel that holds up to frequent hot washes and resists stains.
5. Privacy
Many people, especially those who rely on others when bathing, dread bath time. It is not because they are unhygienic. It can feel like an invasion of their privacy.
They, therefore, resist bathtime to maintain their dignity. In such a case, you need a towel to cover them well to safeguard their modesty. You could also need an extra towel that they can use to hold over their private areas when bathing.
What Important Features Should Seniors Look for When Shopping for a Bath Towel?
Absorbency
A towel is a cloth used to dry the body after a bath. Having said that, the most crucial factor to consider is the towel’s ability to absorb water while staying fluffy, not soggy. Instead of just pushing the water around, it should draw moisture away from your body and onto itself.
To dry the body quickly, softly and well, look for a soft, thick towel with a higher GSM (grams of fabric per square meter).
Material and Feel (Texture)
The towel should feel good against the skin of your elderly loved one. Often, thicker, softer towels are preferable to thinner, delightfully scratchy ones. Egyptian cotton is exceptionally thirsty and soft because its strands are longer.
Turkish cotton towels are lighter and dry quicker because their cotton fibers are shorter. Choose what is more important to you. It’s also worth noting that deeply saturated colors have so much dye that they do not absorb short-term fabric softeners.
Size
Towels are anything but standard. As such, you should carefully consider the measurements before making a purchase. Make sure that your ideal size has ample coverage as per your needs.
A towel that is either too tiny or too large will be uncomfortable, leaving you either cold and exposed or drowning in bulky cloth.
Fast Drying
Good bath towels for seniors should dry fast and well to reduce the likelihood of a musty smell. Quick-drying towels also make the laundering process more manageable because they won’t spend as much time in the dryer. Plus, getting them fully dry keeps them clean and germ-free.
Durability
Regular washing, though, may wear out a senior’s towel quickly. So, choose a bath towel that doesn’t unravel, shred, or fall apart over time.
Although fading, shrinkage, and piling are normal, they shouldn’t occur to an annoying degree. You could also use several bath towels to avoid overusing one.
Free of Toxins
Seniors need non-allergic, toxin-free towels that are gentle on the skin. For that, natural fibers are the way to go. 100% cotton is a popular choice since it offers the blend of absorbency, softness, and durability that most people desire.
Top 5 Bath Towels for Seniors and the Elderly
Superior Egyptian Cotton Bath Towel Set
This package comes in a 6-piece set of fluffy towels. The set includes two washcloths, two hand towels, two bath towels. All the towels are made of ultra-absorbent single-ply fabric to give a soft, luxurious plush feel that is gentle on the skin.
They come in various colors and are extra durable, thanks to their beautifully textured long Egyptian fibers. This set would be a good option for seniors looking for a variety of bathroom towels for different uses.
Chakir Turkish Linens Bath Towels
These are four matching bath towels, each 27 x 54 inches, made in Turkiye from 100% cotton. The cotton is long-staple, which gives a soft, plush feel.
The pile is a dense double loop that pulls water off quickly. It also dries fast on the rack, so the towel isn’t left damp and musty between uses.
They are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, which means they were independently tested for harmful substances. That matters if you want a towel with no chemical worries against your skin.
Care is simple: machine wash warm and tumble dry low. Wash them once before the first use to bring out their full absorbency.
The trade-off is that this is a set of four bath towels only. If you want hand towels and washcloths to match, you will need to look elsewhere. Thick, plush towels also take longer in the dryer than thin ones, so keep that in mind if laundry is a chore.
White Classic Luxury Bath Towel Set
If you’d like to make bath time feel a little nicer, this set is a good place to start. It’s the White Classic Luxury towel set, made from 100% Turkish cotton and sold as a hotel-style collection.
You get eight pieces: two bath towels (27 x 54 inches), two hand towels (16 x 30 inches), and four washcloths (13 x 13 inches). That covers the shower, the sink, and a few spares for the wash.
The towels are described as highly absorbent and quick drying, with a smooth surface that doesn’t shed much lint. The edges have double-stitched reinforcement, so they should hold up to regular washing without fraying.
One thing to know: these are white, so they show every spill and stain, and they may need an occasional bleach-safe wash to stay bright. If you want a towel in a color or pattern, this set isn’t it.
Also, a 27 x 54 inch bath towel is a standard size. If someone wants a big wrap-around sheet, they may want something larger.
RELATED: Best Bath Soap for Seniors and the Elderly (What to Avoid Too!)
Four Alternatives to Bath Towels for Seniors
Pestemals
These are traditional hand-woven Turkish towels. They’ve been around for years and can be used as shawls, picnic blankets, beach blankets, tablecloths, and, you guessed it, bath towels! They can be made of bamboo or linen, or cotton.
They come in various sizes, 65-70″ by 35-40″ being the most popular. They have excellent body coverage, are incredibly light, fast drying, stain resistant, and can dry your body well.
Bath Sheets
Bath sheets are towels with more surface area for absorption. As such, they can do the job better than towels. They are also the best bet for complete body coverage.
A bath sheet would be a great alternative if your loved one often uses more than one towel to dry. Try a more luxurious bathing experience with these. You are worth it.
Beach Towels
Beach towels are bigger than bath sheets, but they have one major problem: they’re too thin. They don’t do a great job drying, but they still come in handy when the bath towel is nowhere to be found. They’re also great options in outdoor areas since they dry faster to be used again.
Clothes
Desperate times call for desperate measures. If you can’t find something to dry yourself off, look for cotton garments that can absorb the water from your body.
Some people will even brush their teeth while the water dries off, but that could leave them cold. If you need a fast fix when there is no towel, your closet is a basic (albeit temporary) place to start!
RELATED: Best Bathroom Scales For Seniors and the Elderly
5 Tips for Using Bath Towels for Seniors
- Wash your new bath towels before using them to prevent fluff from shedding. They become more absorbent after washing since the excess manufacturing fluff is removed.
- To protect your senior’s dignity, wrap them up with a large towel for warmth and privacy.
- Always check the label of your towel for washing instructions before laundering.
- Avoid excessive amounts of detergent and fabric softener because they might accumulate in the towel fibers and reduce absorbency.
- After washing, shake off excess water from the towels and dry them on the warmest setting possible. If at all feasible, hang the towels to dry in a sunny location with sufficient airflow.
Final Thoughts
Seniors need soft, plush towels that will withstand repeated washings and use. More than that, they require safe, non-allergenic, and stain-resistant bath towels. With either of the five recommendations, your senior can enjoy a comfortable bathing experience.
The specific towel, however, comes down to their individual preferences and needs. Are they more comfortable with a bigger or smaller towel?
Would they rather use a darker towel that hides stains or a bright one that reveals dirt so they can keep it clean throughout? The choice is yours.
Make sure the towel is absorbent, soft, toxin-free, gentle, and long-lasting!
Sources:
- https://www.agingcare.com/questions/what-is-the-best-product-to-use-when-bathing-an-elderly-person-and-what-hygiene-products-would-you-r-440198.htm
- https://www.familyresourcehomecare.com/caregivers-bathing-made-easier/
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home-products/towel-reviews/g5037/best-bath-towel-reviews/
- https://lifehacks.stackexchange.com/questions/8073/how-can-i-shower-without-a-towel
