Problems With Bathing

If you are having trouble getting a loved one to bathe due to Alzheimer's, try these tips:

 

• Try to be consistent with your loved one’s old bathing routine before the onset of Alzheimer’s. For example, consider time of day when your loved one is most relaxed, type of bathing (tub, shower, sponge bath, etc.).

• Make sure the bathroom is warm enough and inviting. Pull down blinds, or close curtains and doors to create a feeling of privacy.

• Provide adequate lighting in the bathroom, especially during the evening.

• Try using bathing instructions written by a doctor on a prescription pad. For example “Bathe 2 or 3 times weekly.”

• Prepare bath ahead of time. Check the water level. Some people with Alzheimer’s can only tolerate 1 inch of water in the tub; others 3-4 inches.

• Lay out soap, washcloth, towel and clean clothes in sequence so that your loved one won’t have to wait.

• Use a quiet, calm, matter-of-fact tone of voice. For example, “Mother, your bathwater is ready.”

• Avoid getting into length discussions about whether a bath is needed. Instead instruct your loved one  one step at a time what to do to get ready for their bath.

• Simplify task of bathing as much as possible. Do one step at a time, gently talking your loved one through each step. Combine visual and verbal cures when giving instructions. Use simple, respectful language.

• Try offering your loved one 1 or 2 choices. For example: “Would you like to have a bath or shower?” or “Would you like to take your bath now or before going to bed?”

• Try not to get nervous or excited or threaten your loved one about taking a bath. This only causes additional agitation and frustration. It may be helpful to wait and try again later when your loved one’s mood is more favorable.

• Encourage a bath instead of a shower if your loved one can get in and out of the tub. Baths are generally safer, less frightening and easier to manage.

• Try showering with the person. Sometimes this is the simplest solution, although not all caregivers are in a position to do this.

• Let your loved one feel the water before getting into the tub. Sometimes gently pouring water over hands reassures the person that the water isn’t too hot. Saying something like “The water feels nice,” or “This feels good,” may help calm your loved one.

• Don’t bathe your loved one every day, if bathing continues to be difficult. A partial sponge bath daily and a full bath every three to four days may suffice.

• Try using a bath chart or calendar to indicate when bathes were given. For example, you might pint to a note or a sticker on a calendar to show your loved one that it has been three or four days since his or her last bath.

• Offer a “reward,” such as a favorite food or an activity like going for a drive in the car. This may be an effective way of cajoling your loved one into taking a bath. Having something to look forward to sometimes takes the focus off of the task.

• Try separating hair washing from bathing. Some people with dementia associate bathing with having their hair washed and become terribly upset, because water being poured over their head frightens them. Sometimes hair washing can be done separately in a beauty shop. Try a shower cap when bathing or it may be easier to wash your loved one’s hair in the kitchen sink if there isn’t a spray attachment in the bathtub.

• You could also try dry shampoo.