Bathing and personal hygiene of their loved one has long been a struggle for caregivers. If their loved one has dementia, this issue may further become one riddled with fear and trepidation. While bathing can be difficult for the elderly, it is necessary for skin cleansing and infection control as well as providing an opportunity for the caregiver to inspect the senior’s skin. Socially, a bath controls body odor, enhances social interactions and provides positive touch.  But the question remains, “How can we make shower time less of a strain on your personal relationship?”

§         Communicate Tell your loved what you are going to do before proceeding. “Mom, I am going to help you get undressed for the shower.” Approach from the front and maintain eye contact. If he/she becomes violent, back off and try another time.

§         Schedule Set up a bath schedule and use a calendar. Find a time of day where he/she is less likely to have outbursts. Use incentives to get him/her to bathe, such as telling your loved one that they must bathe before a favorite TV show or a favorite dessert. Once or twice a week is sufficient for seniors if they are not incontinent and keep the genital area clean.

§         Atmosphere Make it like a spa experience. Dim the lights and play relaxing, instrumental music. Use scented soaps/lotions, heated towels (use heated towel bars/containers or pluck them from the dryer) and a warm fuzzy bathrobe.

§         Temperature Turn up the heat one to two hours before the bath to keep the bathrooms warm. Seniors are often cold when we are wearing short sleeves. If there is tile in the bathroom, cover them with a plush bath rug or carpet (watch for falls). If you have an overhead heater, turn that on. Wear a t-shirt so you’re not overheated!

§         Safety Make sure the bathroom is safe - use bath chairs, non-slip mats/appliqués and grab bars. If the senior doesn’t feel safe, he or she will not agree to bathe.

§         Equipment Install a hand-held shower. The water spray in the face is distressing as often happens when sitting in a shower chair. The hand-held shower also allows the warm water to pour over them as they wash resulting in a greater sense of control.

§         Modesty Allow your loved one to do as much bathing independently as possible. Keep the doors closed and curtains drawn. Always cover the genitals with a washcloth or keep a light gown on the body that is not being bathed.

If your loved one still refuses to bathe, use alternative methods. Use no-rinse washcloths and dry shampoo. Try a “weekly bath” with everyday washing one part of her body using washcloths. For example, Monday wash her arms, armpits and back, Tuesday, feet and legs. Ask her to take that body part out of her clothes one at a time to wash, dry and then switch. It takes longer but your loved one may be more open to this. Sometimes you could time it during a trip to the washroom and use that as an excuse to clean the genitals. Use powders, body sprays, etc to help cover the body odor when you just can’t get them to bathe.

And lastly, many home care agencies offer a bathing service so that you don’t have to do the “dirty work”. Hire them and then go out for a cup of coffee to de-stress. Home & Hearth Caregivers offer a variety of packages that include bathing. Call us at 800-349-0663 for your complimentary, no obligation home assessment.

Keep in touch

Maintain contact with family members. A card, a call or visit all mean a great deal.  Family members, including the person with Alzheimer’s, will benefit from your visits or calls. Continue to send cards, even if you don’t get a response. It’s a simple, yet important way to show you care.

Do little things- they mean a lot

When cooking, make extra portions and drop off a meal (in a freezable and disposable container). If you’re on your way out to do an errand, check with a family member to see if there’s anything they need. Surprise the caregiver with a special treat, such as a rented movie, an audiotape of last week’s church service or a gift certificate for a massage or dinner out.

Give them a break

Everyone needs a little time for themselves. Offer to stay with the Alzheimer person so family members can run errands, attend a support group meeting or take a short trip. Even if the caregiver does not leave the house, this will provide some personal time. Chances are the person with Alzheimer’s will also enjoy a break.

Be specific when offering assistance

Most friends are good about saying they’re available to ”do anything” but many caregivers find it hard to ask for something specific. Have the family prepare a “to do” list of hard-to-get-to projects (e.g. laundry, dusting, yard work and medical bills). Figure out what you can do, then dedicate some time on a weekly or monthly basis to helping the family tackle some of these tasks.

Be alert

Learn about Alzheimer’s and how it impacts the family. Most people with Alzheimer’s ”wander” at some point and could become lost in their own neighborhoods. Know how to recognize a problem and respond. Take time to learn about other common behaviors and helpful care techniques.

Provide a change of scenery

Plan an activity that gets the whole family out of the house. Make a reservation at a restaurant and ask for a table with some privacy. Be sure to include the person with Alzheimer’s if the caregiver feels it’s appropriate. If not, make arrangements for someone to stay at home while you’re out. Or invite the family to your house or to a nearby park for a picnic.

Learn to listen

Sometimes, those affected by Alzheimer’s just need to talk with someone. Ask family members how they’re doing and encourage them to share. Be available when the caregiver is free to talk without interruptions. You don’t need to provide all the answers just be a compassionate listener. Try not to question or judge, but rather, support and accept.

Care for the caregiver

Encourage the caregivers to take care of themselves. Pass along useful information and offer to attend a support group meeting with them. Local chapters of the Alzheimer’s Association have information available and sponsor telephone “Helplines” and support groups in your area.

Remember all family members

The person with Alzheimer’s will appreciate your visits even if unable to show it. Talk with the person the way you’d want to be talked to. Spouses, adult children and even young grandchildren are all affected in different ways by a relative’s Alzheimer’s disease. Be attentive to their needs too.

Get involved

Unless a prevention is found, 14 million Americans will have Alzheimer’s disease by 2050. There are many things you can do to help families today and prevent further devastation tomorrow. Make a contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association or volunteer at your local chapter. Join in the Association’s annual Memory Walk to raise awareness and funds for chapter programs and services.  Ask your legislator to support funding of research and programs to help Alzheimer families.  You can make a difference!  

 Article provided by Alzheimer’s Association