Hints and Tips for Assisting with Bathing

Bathing and personal hygiene are often the most difficult tasks for caregivers to perform. Their loved one may be resistive, agitated and can become verbally or physically abusive.

The following tips can assist caregivers with bathing and personal hygiene tasks:

-Respect the person's need for privacy. Being naked is uncomfortable, so pay special attention to their need for privacy and dignity. Allow them to remain covered as much as possible during the bath or shower. Always close doors and window shades.

-Be gentle, calm and relaxed. Your actions may cause the person to react. No one, especially persons with dementia, likes to be rushed or treated roughly. Take your time and spend a few minutes helping them to relax.

-Try to follow the person's habits and routines. Did your loved one always bathe in the morning? Does he/she prefer a shower or a bath? The answers you learn will help make bathing more enjoyable.

-Take each step slowly. Give assistance slowly and talk your loved one through each step. Simplify tasks and allow them to assist as much as they are able.

-Avoid discussing if the bath is necessary. Be matter of fact without sounding bossy or forceful. Try "Mom, your bath is ready. Let me help you now and then we'll have breakfast."

-Be flexible. If your loved one refuses to get in the shower or bathtub, they may be willing to take a sponge bath sitting on the bed or standing in the bathroom. You will have better luck if you allow them to make as many choices for themselves as they are able.

-Offer praise, compliments and encouragement. Everyone wants to please and we also want to be praised when we accomplish something difficult. Since this task is very difficult for them to complete, tell them often that you appreciate all their help, that they look nice, and they're so patient... and so on.

-If your loved one is extremely upset, offer the option of not bathing today. Never fight over tasks. Remember it is always better to try again when your loved one calms down.

-Ask for assistance. Your loved one may resist assistance with hygiene from you, yet allow another family member or friend to assist them without difficulty. This does not mean that they are angry with you or that they do not trust you. Sometimes another person can be distracting enough that your loved one will be more concerned with "how they know this person" and less concerned with the task at hand.

The WNY Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association has a lending library, a 24-hour helpline available to the community and other services and programs. You may contact them for more information at (716)626-0600.

For more information about ElderWood Senior Care and the services and programs we offer, please contact us at (716) 633-3900.