Font Size:
What can you do to help with bathing?
Bathing is one of the activities of daily living that is most affected by dementia. There are many steps in the process of bathing and these steps can seem very difficult for the person with dementia. The reasons can be:
- Your loved one may have forgotten the reason for bathing.
- Being naked or undressed may cause resistance to bathing.
- Better communication may be required for the steps of the bathing process that are too overwhelming.
- Changes in the perception of hot and cold water temperature can create confusion.
- The feel of water on the skin may seem different, especially during showering.
- Fear of water or being hurt by it may result from this change of feeling.
- There may be a fear of the sound of running water.
- There may also be a fear of soap or a washcloth.
- There may be a fear of falling in slippery, wet areas.
- General tips for bathing:
- Bathing is an individual and person activity.
- Embarrassment may accompany washing the private area, but cleanliness is very important to avoid irritations and rashes.
- Place a towel over the shoulders or other private parts of the person with dementia for warmth and/or modesty. You want to always protect your loved one's privacy and dignity.
- Pay attention to daily routines and follow them, helping to establish a sense of security. Establish whether tub baths or showers are preferred and adhere to the usual time of day they prefer.
- Progress with bathing in the order the individual is comfortable with. For example, a man may have always shaved before showering.
- Maintaining order offers structure, which decreases the stress of the unknown.
- Using these routines help them compensate for a feeling of "loss of control."
- Show the action you want them to perform/do to offer visual assistance.
- Keep bathing supplies in the same place, which will help in preparing for the bath or shower.
Do not force a person to do these activities. If there is resistance:
Promise ice cream, a walk outside, give a back rub, encourage deep breathing for relaxation, or offer something else they might enjoy to encourage them to work with you.
Steps for bathing:
- Talk with a calm voice and use short and simple instructions.
- Prepare the bath or shower and announce, "Your bath is ready."
- Check to make sure the temperature of the bathroom is comfortable.
- Make sure the temperature of the water is comfortable and safe.
- Set the temperature on the water heater at 120 degrees F or lower to avoid scalding.
- Clearly mark red on the hot water faucet and blue for cold. Blue and red duct tape can be used.
- Use only two to three inches of water in the tub and never leave the person alone.
Next steps in the process:
- Give a gentle suggestion such as, "It is time to unbutton your shirt" for each step of the process for undressing.
- If they do not want to remove clothing, allow them to wear clothing or a bathing suit in the bath or shower. The water on the clothing will probably cause him or her to remove the clothing.
- Ensure complete safety in entering and exiting the tub or shower.
- Do not use bath oil as this can make the surface slippery.
- Maintain a slip-free surface and avoid puddles on the bathroom floor.
- Attach non-slip applications (available at drug stores) to the bottom of the tub to avoid slipping.
- Use hand held hoses and bath seats with rubber-tipped legs.
- Do not be in a hurry to finish the bathing process.
- They might have forgotten the words for various body parts, so remind them by saying, "Now wash your arm," while touching their arm.
- Check all areas of the body for redness, sores, and rashes. If any appear, seek immediate health care attention.
- Be very watchful of pressure sores (reddened or open areas on the skin) on people who sit or lie down most of the time. These sores can create infections and must be immediately checked by a doctor.
More Information about Alzheimer's Disease
Learn more about Alzheimer's and Dementia in our Elder Health Guides section by reading Alzheimer's Disease: An Overview.
Back to Caregiver Tips for more tips!
