My husband helped my father, who is ill, get dressed and undressed. Is there an issue with Tznuis? If my husband is not able to help my father, is there a problem if I help him?
My mother-in-law is also not well (she has an aide right now). Is her son (my husband) allowed to help her in any way with her personal needs if no one else is available?
Answer
There is no tzniut issue involved with your husband helping your father dress or undress, as needed.
If there is no readily available male alternative, you may help your father dress and undress.
You should make every effort not to look at or touch his genital area, when possible. Draping a cloth of some sort can help in these situations.
A similar answer applies regarding your mother-in-law. Your husband may help her dress and undress if no female alternative is available. He, too, should make every effort, to the extent possible, to preserve tzniut in the process.
Both of you may consider contacting an occupational therapist for advice about techniques available to make your parents more independent and to facilitate your helping them comfortably.
We wish them both a refuah shleimah, and wish both of you the strength to navigate this time together.
