Bathing a Loved One Who Has Dementia

 

This article by Ava M. Stinnett gives helpful guidance to promote a successful bathing outcome with someone living with dementia.  Over the past 18 years Cambrian Senior Living has been caring for those living with dementia, and we can share first hand that earning the trust of the individual is paramount.  This takes time to build, and it requires tremendous patience.  And keep in mind that even with this trust you may not always be successful, that is why accepting a twice a week bathing routine as acceptable will reduce stress for both you and your loved one.

Cambrian understands the many challenges that accompany living with dementia, and that is why we designed our apartment bathrooms with an open concept euro style bathroom to promote success with bathing.  A few common issues those living with dementia often experience about bathing is a fear of water splashing onto their faces, as well as being enclosed in a small space creating a claustrophobic experience.  Cambrian’s spacious bathroom area has a drain in the floor allowing the shower to occur without needing to step into an actual shower space.  And, the shower head can be hand held allowing water flow to be controlled avoiding the facial area.

Cambrian Senior Living is located in Southeastern Michigan and specializes in caring for individuals living with various forms of dementia.  With locations in both Tecumseh and South Lyon, Michigan the affordable excellence offered is absolutely worth the drive from the surrounding areas.  For more information on Cambrian Senior Living visit CambrianSeniorLiving.com.

Bathing a Loved One Who Has Dementia
By Ava M. Stinnett

Caregivers face various challenges when providing assistance for someone who has Alzheimer’s disease. 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 [Carole] Larkin, geriatric care manager at ThirdAge Services and trainer of caregivers in home care companies, nursing homes, and memory care communities. “If you can get them to bathe more, kudos to you. If not, 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 patient and 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.

Sources

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