Bathing
Comfort | Consistency | Frequency | Safety | Privacy

All Bathing Tips

Comfort.

Many people with dementia are scared of spraying water, especially on the head.

Make sure the bathroom is warm and without drafts. Keep extra towels and a robe nearby. Test the water temperature before beginning the bath or shower.

Can you keep the body parts that aren't being washed covered with towels? It is worth a little extra laundry to have the bath go smoothly.

Does pain interfere with how much your loved one can do for themselves? Maybe two Tylenol about an hour before the bath would make it less painful.

Use soaps that aren't drying to the skin.

Try no-rinse soaps and shampoos, available where medical equipment and supplies are sold.

Consistency.

Especially if your mom has Alzheimer's, develop a routine and make the bath or shower as close as possible to what she has always liked to do.

• Does she like to relax in hot water and read?
• Does taking a shower before bed help her sleep without medicines?
• Tell her what you are going to do, step by step, and allow her to do as much as possible.

Prepare in advance.

• Make sure you have everything you need ready and in the bathroom before beginning.
• Draw the bath ahead of time.

Frequency.

Skin dries out as it gets older and there is less sweating so we don't need to bathe as often.

A sponge bath can be effective between showers or baths.

Most older adults grew up in a time when daily baths were considered to be a luxury, so fewer baths each week may be just fine. However, if your mom is incontinent, daily bathing and a regular change of clothes are essential. Keep her skin clean and use lotions and powders to protect her skin.

Safety.

Never leave someone with dementia alone in the bath or shower.

Baths, rather than showers, reduce the risk of a scald if the water suddenly flows hot.

Help your aunt bathe herself, or arrange for someone else to do it.

Minimize safety risks by using a handheld showerhead, shower bench, grab bars, and nonskid bathmats.

Install a bench that fits across the tub and replace the shower head with a longer, flexible hose. Your aunt may feel more secure if she can bathe while seated, but doesn’t have to cope with the ordeal of getting up out of the bathtub herself.

Privacy.

While it may be quicker to do the washing or rinsing for your mom, it can leave her feeling embarrassed.

Most of us want to have some control over our bodies. This doesn't change as we get older.