Dementia Awareness Information

Several caregivers have shared with me their frustration with trying to get the person with Alzheimer's to bath. This is one of the more challenging activities of daily living that the care provider encounters as the disease progresses. Plan the bathing time when they used to take one, i.e. the first thing in the morning or just before going to bed.

Here are a few practical things to consider about preparing the bathroom: Have the bathroom at a comfortable temperature; Run the hot water so that when the person is ready for the bath he or she doesn't have to wait for the hot water; Have the towels and toiletries article ready; Unplug the electric razor, hair dryer, etc., and put them out of sight; Use a shower stall if possible instead of a tub for it is easier to get in and out of a

shower; Use a shower chair so that the person doesn't have to stand, for bathing and keeping one's balance can be a challenge. Also it is easier to assist them if necessary if they are seated; Turn the water on and have it adjusted because they may have forgotten how to do this; Purchase and install a hand held shower spray head - having the water hit you in the face can be scary for a person with dementia. They or you will have better control of the water if it is hand held; Have all the clean clothes in the bathroom beforehand have a towel for yourself, just incase you need an extra towel; Have the phone close by;

When everything is ready that is needed for bathing then gently approach the person and calmly take them into the bathroom. Assist them as needed to

remove their clothes and get them into the shower or tub. Assure them that you are they only to assist as needed. Don't take control of the bathing; let him or her do as much as they can for themselves. The elderly do not need to have a daily bath usually for this can dry out their skin. Plan two or three baths a week if bathing is a challenge for both of you. If you say "Let's go and take a bath," they understand that you are going to get into the shower with him or her, so if this is not your intention, don't say "Let's go and take a bath." Instead, say "It's time for your bath." You may not want to give them too much notice that this is the task at hand because they may resist taking a shower then. If you have another other questions you can contact Elizabeth Uhle at 706-745-6636.