|
|
Bathing Tips
- Try
to be consistent with the person's old bathing routine
before the onset of illness.
-
Provide
adequate lighting in bathroom, especially during evening
hours.
- Try
bathing instructions written by a doctor on a prescription
pad. For example: "Bathe 2 or 3 times
weekly."
- Lay
out soap, washcloth, towel and clean clothes in sequence
so that the person with dementia won't have to wait.
- Use
a quiet, calm, matter-of-fact approach. For
example: "Mother, your bath water is ready."
- Simplify
the task of bathing as much as possible. Do
one step at a time, gently talking the person through
each step. Combine visual and verbal cues when
giving instructions.
- Try
giving the person with dementia a washcloth to hold
or something to fiddle with for distraction while
bathing.
- Play
soft music in the background to create a calm, relaxing
atmosphere.
- Try
not to get nervous, excited, or threatening to the
person who objects to taking a bath. This only
causes additional agitation and frustration.
It may be helpful to wait and try again later when
the person's mood is more favorable.
- Try
using liquid soap and a large sponge for easier bathing.
- Encourage
a bath instead of a shower if a person can get in
and out of the tub. Baths are generally safer,
less frightening, and easier for the caregiver to
manage.
- Avoid
getting into lengthy discussions about whether a bath
is needed. Instead, tell the person one step
at a time what to do to get ready for the bath.
- Wrap
a towel around the shoulders of the person sitting
in the tub and fasten with a clothespin if he/she
is embarrassed about being undressed. It is
important to respect the person's privacy and dignity.
- A
hand-held spray attachment on a flexible hose can
convert a tub into a shower. The attachment
can be helpful for rinsing the person thoroughly and
makes washing hair much easier.
|
|
