Among the challenges of caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease or dementia, helping the individual shower or bathe is certainly a common one.
Although some people with dementia don't mind assistance with a shower or bathing,
others are fearful and somewhat resistant to it.
There can be many causes for a person with dementia to be combative or contrary to a bath or a shower. But, helping someone with dementia shower or bathe is important. These causes or stress can range from embarrassment, to fear of water. Some individuals can be concerned about privacy, and bathing with someone else present could make them feel very uncomfortable. Others, who may be afraid of water, possibly due to some traumatic incident or just increased anxiety. Others react negatively especially to a shower since they may have grown up with the routine of a bath.
Sometimes reluctance can be attributed to symptoms of middle or late-stage dementia in which an individual might not understand the need for personal hygiene, and the association of personal hygiene water and be washed.
If you experience this situation as a caregiver, here are some ideas on how to make bath time a little less stressful for both the patient and the caregiver.
Before the bath/shower have the soap and shampoo ready, as well as a large, warm towel nearby.
If possible, let the individual chose between a bath or a shower.
Make sure that the room is warm enough and the water temperature is also warm.
Try to keep a regular routine regarding the time of the day and the steps for the individual to take the bath or the shower.
If you think that the person is able, you should always ask them if they would like to wash themselves as you remain nearby and within view. This decision will encourage a sense of independence.
If you feel that the individual is embarrassed because of the gender difference, offer help with the task by someone of the same sex.
Use music in the bathroom to set the tone. Choose tunes that the person with dementia enjoys and is familiar to them, even perhaps music the individual would enjoy singing.
Sometimes a longer bath time an also increases anxiety. Occasionally, you might shorten the process by using no-rinse soap and shampoo.
Use different words, like "washing up" or "getting ready for the day."
Use sponge bathing if necessary. If bathing presents a constant struggle, encourage your loved one to sponge bath.
Finally, it is paramount to ensure the person's safety by offering a shower chair, never leaving a person with dementia alone in a shower or a bath, installing grab bars, and placing non-slip decals or mats in the tub and on the floor.
It's perfectly normal to feel frustrated when efforts to help someone are not working or are not well-received. Sometimes it is better to take a deep breath or a timeout before re-approaching the topic, particularly if there are some concerns about safety and overall wellbeing. Also, remember that your well-being as a caregiver is equally critical. Give space to your feelings, validate them and take space to recharge personally.
For more information on support groups, reach out to your local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. Or connect with other great resources, National Institute on Aging or American Federation for Aging Research.
Domenico Praticò, MD, holds the position of the Scott Richards North Star Charitable Foundation Chair for Alzheimer’s Research and serves as a Professor and Founding Director at the Alzheimer’s Center at Temple, as well as a Professor of Neural Sciences at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University.
For more information on the research conducted by Dr. Domenico Pratico, please visit this link.
Connect with Dr. Domenico Pratico through LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Medium.
Stay updated with the work happening at Dr. Domenico Pratico's lab by visiting the Pratico Lab website.
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