Most of us enjoy the experience of bathing. (Or, at the very least, we tolerate it.) Some people enjoy soaking in the tub for long periods to relax, while others just like the feeling of being fresh and clean. So, it can be confusing and frustrating for caregivers when their senior loved one suddenly refuses to bathe.
“Hygiene issues are actually fairly common among older individuals, especially those with dementia,” says Erica Labb, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford. “There are many possible reasons why their attitude toward bathing has changed. Unfortunately for caregivers, hygiene isn’t something you can just ‘let go,’ so the trick is to figure out why your loved one is reluctant to bathe, and determine what you can do to help him or her get over that hump.”
The reasons can change from day to day. Perhaps your loved one doesn’t remember why bathing is important. It’s possible he or she is reacting out of fear and loss of control or not wanting to be cold, uncomfortable or feel exposed. Dementia can also cause changes in the senses that can make bathing uncomfortable (water temperature, pressure, etc.) or downright terrifying (water can appear as glass falling on them or is simply scary because they don’t understand what’s going on). Whatever the case, what usually happens is that your loved one becomes agitated, stressed or exhibits other unwanted behaviors. This can be traumatic for both you and your loved one.
“As with all parts of the caregiving process, it’s important to be flexible, be gentle and look for clues as to what’s really going on with your loved one,” says Erica.
For Bath Safety Month, we’ve put together some tips to follow when helping a loved one with dementia bathe. While there is not one set agenda that will ensure success, these tips can help you overcome the biggest hurdles for bathing as well as give you tools for helping to gently encourage your loved one into the tub.
1. Be prepared and have everything on hand.
Having everything ready and on hand before bathing starts can help reduce downtime and make the process go smoother and faster. Prep the room in advance by gathering all the supplies you’ll need, including big towels, shampoo and soap. Be sure that the room is at a comfortable temperature and that nonslip rugs are placed conveniently so your loved one won’t get cold or potentially slip. Be sure to have washcloths and perhaps even a cup that you can use to help rinse your loved one off. Finally, make sure that the water temperature is not too hot or too cold.
2. Let your loved one do as much as possible.
Involve your loved one in the bathing routine as much as possible. He or she may want to draw the bath, for example, or they may want to wash their body themselves. Be ready to lend a helping hand if it’s needed, but do your best to avoid taking over if your loved one is still capable of doing things for themself. Loss of control can be a huge trigger that causes individuals to resist bathing.
3. Have pleasant distractions on hand.
If your loved one becomes agitated or feels threatened during the bathing process, it’s a good idea to have activities on hand in order to distract him or her. You could play soothing music or sing a favorite song. This may be able to help get them out of their anxiety spiral, calm them down and allow you to proceed with bathing.
4. Be sure that your loved one has a role.
Giving your loved one something to do can help bathing feel less like it’s being done to them and more like something they’re participating in. Have him or her hold the washcloth or other item to give them a purpose.
5. Make sure dignity and privacy are respected as much as possible.
No one likes to feel vulnerable, and being naked in front of another person may be the height of vulnerability. Helping your loved one feel more secure and less exposed can help make bathing less stressful. Have a robe on hand that your loved one can wear to and from the bathroom. Towels can be used to shield their body if they are feeling uncomfortable. While in the water, it’s good to have towels or washcloths in the bath that allow your loved one to cover the parts that aren’t actively being cleaned at that moment.
6. Offer alternatives.
Would your loved one be more comfortable in a shower? Would a sponge bath be more comfortable instead of a full-on immersion? Remember, the most important thing is that your loved one has good hygiene, not necessarily a bath schedule. As long as their hygiene is good, he or she is groomed and doesn’t have any skin issues from lack of bathing, you’ve done your job.
7. Stay flexible.
It’s possible that what works one day won’t work the next. While this is incredibly frustrating, understand that it’s a natural progression of the disease. The reason your loved one is acting out is due to something, whether it’s discomfort or fear or something else entirely. Knowing that they’re not doing it maliciously and that a solution is possible can help you be more flexible, which will result in a better experience overall.
Comprehensive Memory Care
Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford delivers highly specialized memory care assisted living for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our resident-centered approach focuses on providing dignity, purpose and moments of joy in daily life for those in all stages of the disease. We offer a wellness-focused lifestyle that centers around a resident’s current skills and abilities, not those that have been lost to dementia.
Life-Enriching Programs
Our team members take an active role in getting to know each resident on a personal level to deliver programming that is meaningful to them. We account for the preferences, interests, needs and abilities of our residents to connect with them and encourage their involvement in daily life and boost self-esteem.
Warm, Residential Atmosphere
Featuring a stunning residential design, every inch of our community has been designed to benefit those with memory loss. Attributes such as soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations create a soothing and secure environment where residents feel comfortable, safe and at home.