People Living with Dementia May Fight Bathing: Compassion, Education Can Help

Many older adults may not bathe as often as younger people think they should, but what about people living with dementia? Here lies a much greater challenge.

People living with Alzheimer’s, or another type of dementia will often refuse or even physically lash out when pushed to shower or bathe. This behavior frustrates well-meaning family caregivers to no end. They worry that their family member may have increased urinary infections or even skin infections when regular bathing doesn’t happen. Understandably, too, they would like their loved one freshened up, not only for themselves but also for others.

What to do? As with most dementia-related challenges, there are no miracles, and what works one day may not the next. However, there are some things that you can try. Most of these tips stem from increased knowledge about what can trigger rebellion in a person living with dementia. Let’s take a look.

Making bathing easier for people living with dementia (and their caregivers)

Since it’s good practice to try to discover what lies behind your loved one’s behavior you could look at these common factors:

Embarrassment: My mother-in-law was an extremely modest person and would not let any family member help her bathe. Since she was either afraid of doing it herself or no longer understood the purpose (possibly both), we had a dilemma. What we did was hire an in-home care agency to help with her baths. That seemed to help, at least with the embarrassment. One thing to make clear if you do this is that in most cases a same-sex caregiver is likely best. There are many exceptions, of course, but when possible it’s a good idea.

Comfort: There are other things that you can do to help with the lack of dignity that comes from having others assist with showering and bathing. Covering the person with a large towel or even specialty covering can help a great deal. This does double duty, too, in that these coverings help keep the person…

Continue reading on Egosancares for more tips on bathing someone who lives with dementia:

Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories. “For anyone having to walk the last segments of life with a loved one, read this.” …Delores

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