Alzheimer's and the Bathing Battle

by Brenda Dapkus

Here we go; time to give mom a shower. How will it go this time? I would say that nearly every caregiver deals with this issue. Why does it have to be so difficult?

Dear caregiver, it doesn't have to be so hard. Much of your loved one's resistance can result from many things. The most common reason for resistance, is asking them if they were ready for their shower. Ask them, and chances are you will be told no, or that they've already had their shower. But there are other reasons for resistance, and there are solutions. Read on.....

They are afraid of the shower. It is safe to say that much of the older generation didn't have showers; they had baths. Simply state that it is time for their bath. Make sure the bathroom is at a comfortable temperature. Have everything ready for the "bath", and have their clothes laid out, so that they can immediately redress. If they are capable of taking a real bath then try it. Dribble a little water on their hand or foot, to show them that the water feels good. If they can't take a real bath, then have a shower seat that sits toward the back of the tub, and use a hand-held shower head. Again, dribble water on their hand or foot.
Modesty. Most of us wouldn't want a stranger seeing us naked. Others of us don't even feel comfortable with our own family seeing us naked. How then, can we preserve our loved one's dignity while attending to her hygiene? There is a privacy garment available through a few retailers that can preserve her dignity while allowing you to bathe her completely. If the garment is more than you can afford, then try to find someone who can make one for you or improvise. To see a sample, go to our links page and click on Alzheimer's Store.
Believe this or not, but mirrors are a caregivers worst enemy and terrifying for your loved one. Remember, they don't just lose memories of what they did or said, they also forget what they look like. If your loved one believes she is 25, she will be frightened of the stranger in the bathroom whom they've never seen before. Cover the mirror!
No reason you can see? Many seniors who have had a doctor for a long time will do anything they "prescribe" because they trust him/her. Ask their doctor to write a "prescription" for a bath at whatever time of day they used to take a bath. It's amazing what a prescription can do!
If all else fails, try laminating pictures that have meaning or give pleasure to your loved one, and hang them in the shower or tub, along with objects that are familiar; whatever makes them happy. It may distract her from the purpose of being in the bathroom.

Hope some of these help. Each of these methods has worked for me in the past. Good luck!