An article brought to you by Seasons Adult Day Health Services
Amy Sheridan, Program Director
Caregivers face various challenges when providing assistance for someone who has dementia. One particular activity that can be very stressful is bathing. There are numerous behaviors that indicate a loved one is frustrated or confused, such as hitting or kicking, verbal agitation, and crying or rocking.
As a caregiver, it’s important to remember why bathing is important. “Doctors recommend older adults shower or bathe a minimum of twice a week to reduce the chance of infection, especially urinary tract infections in women,” says C. Larkin, geriatric care manager and trainer of caregivers in home care companies, nursing homes, and memory care communities. “Be satisfied with twice a week, unless another medical condition demands more frequent bathing.”
If you see any of the behaviors listed above, you’ll want to determine the cause. Some common triggers include unmanaged pain, feeling too hot or too cold, feeling awkward or embarrassed, and confusion about what is happening. The same goes for hair washing and drying.
Larkin provides some tips to help caregivers minimize frustration for both the patient and the caregiver.
- Tell the person what you are going to do, step by step, and allow him or her to do as much as possible.
- Involve the person in the bathing process. Larkin suggests that caregivers have the person try to wash themselves first. That gives them ownership of the task and something they can succeed at.
- Follow up on the positive reinforcements so that your loved one gets rewarded for complying. Always praise and compliment them after the bathing is done.
- Some people are extremely modest. Respect their dignity by allowing them to cover up with something while in the shower or bath.
- Plan the bath or shower for the time of day when the person is most calm and agreeable. Be consistent. Try to develop a routine.
Continue to adapt your methods by observing your loved one’s behavior over time.
If your loved one is living with cognitive change and could benefit from assistance with bathing, Seasons Adult Day Health Services may be the right fit for you. In a comfortable and social environment, your loved one can participate in activities in our center while also receiving personal care services! For more information about how Seasons can help your loved one to stay as healthy as possible while engaging in therapeutic programming, contact our Family Support Manager, Christin Rousseau, at 989-633-3767.
Larkin C. (2018). ThirdAge Services. Retrieved from http://www.thirdageservices.com/about/about.htm
Alzheimer’s Society. (2018). Washing and bathing. Retrieved from https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/daily-living/washing-and-bathing
