5 Tips to Reduce Bathing Challenges for People with Dementia

Bathing is one of the most challenging tasks in dementia care. Older adults with this condition refuse to wash up for several reasons. Some find it embarrassing to get help from caregivers, while others fear the mere sight of water. Those in the latter stages don't even understand what the activity is for, so they withdraw or fight during a shower.

If you get them to try a bathtub and shower combo, you can do the following things so they'll be less anxious:

Establish a Routine
Dementia makes it hard for people to do new things. They become anxious when faced with a task that's different from what they're used to. So, it's essential to have a consistent routine for bathing. Have regular shower times and steps. Routines are calming and reassuring for both you and your loved one.

Let Them Choose
For many people with dementia, being in a tub full of water feels like drowning, while taking a shower makes them think something invisible's touching their skin.

To make the experience more pleasant, ask them which of the two options they prefer. You can get one of those shower-tub combos and let them choose.

Encourage Independence
Letting a person participate in daily activities increases their confidence and self-worth. It also gives them the opportunity to do simple tasks. So, if a person is able, let them wash themselves. You can give them a soft sponge or cloth. Just follow up on areas that need extra care like the hair and parts with skin-folds such as the armpits and beneath the chest.

Keep Them Warm
Getting into the bathtub-shower combo makes people cold. A person with dementia doesn't have the patience to deal with this level of discomfort. So, when helping them shower, use a towel to cover areas that aren't being washed. This offers some privacy since they aren't exposed. You can also lay a cloth on the chair or toilet seat, so the surface doesn't feel cold against the skin.

Use a No-Rinse Soap and Shampoo
Bathing a person with dementia is sometimes a physical and mental struggle. Some of them may fight their caregiver. Others cry and shake in fear, holding themselves tightly while rocking back and forth. At times like this, it's not advisable to let them step into the shower. You can instead use a no-rinse shampoo and body wash to keep them clean and healthy.

Convincing a person with dementia to use shower-tub combos can be a real challenge. It's okay to feel some frustration, especially when your best efforts aren't working. When this happens, it's helpful to know that you can give yourself a break. Take a deep breath, and have some time to compose yourself before trying again.