Alzheimer’s Care – Six Ways Make Bathing More Pleasant

If you are providing care for an elderly loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease, you know that sometimes a simple bath can turn into a long, drawn-out, frustrating experience. Many Alzheimer’s patients develop an aversion to bathing as the disease progresses. It can be because of several reasons that may be spoken or unspoken. The fear can be based on the temp and feel of the water. It may be based on the fear of slipping and falling. It could be because they don’t want you to see them this vulnerable. It can also be because of confusion, thinking they just bathed or that they don’t need a bath.

There are several steps you can take to make bath time more pleasant for your loved one. If you have an Alzheimer’s care provider who helps with bathing, make sure to share with them what you do so that it’s consistent with your loved one whether you or his Alzheimer’s care provider is helping with bathing.

1. Check the water temp. Water that’s too cold or too hot may upset your loved one and stop any further progress on getting the bath or shower completed. Some patients may like to have just a little water when they first sit in the tub and let it fill up around them so the progression is slower.
2. Stick with what your loved one likes. If your loved one likes showers, then keep providing showers. Same with baths. If you find that you don’t have the physical ability to help with which one he likes, having an Alzheimer’s care provider help will make sure your loved one can be safe in the process.
3. Make the bathroom calm. Consider some light music or dim lighting during bath or shower time. Use a calm voice and share positive words throughout the process. If you have other family members in the household, make sure they understand this is a no-interrupt time. Someone pounding on the door can ruin the whole experience for your loved one and make him less likely to want to try again.
4. Don’t force it. Unless your loved one struggles with incontinence, if bathtime is not going well, then put it aside for the night/morning and try again later. You might suggest what’s a must-do if he refuses to bathe, such as saying you can skip the bath but he must wash his hands and face.
5. Allow your loved one to do as much by himself as he can. If your loved one can use the washcloth to wipe down his arms, then let him take care of that so he feels a part of the process.
6. Use rewards. One way to encourage a loved one to bathe is to remind him he has company coming over. Tell him his favorite Alzheimer’s care provider is coming over the next day to play checkers or go for a walk in the garden to get him to bathe that night.

When you find a tip or technique that works, stick with it. Consistency will ensure successful bathing for patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s care in Concord, NC, contact the caring professionals at TenderHearted Home Care today. Call us at (704) 612-4132