Bathing can be difficult for seniors with dementia for a variety of reasons. Therefore, you need to learn more about bathing challenges in dementia care and take advantage of the tips below. The objective is to help your senior loved one with dementia maintain good personal hygiene.
Match Lifelong Habits
Before your loved one bathes, take the time to gather bathing supplies and other objects that can add comfort to the room. Doing so could ease your loved one’s resistance and let them know what to expect. Seniors with dementia often thrive on familiarity. Matching lifelong habits and favorite objects can offer the familiarity your loved one craves.
For example, if your loved one is used to bathing at a specific time, try to continue that schedule. Also, incorporate your loved one’s favorite shower gels, soaps, background music, and more. Doing so could lower your loved one’s resistance to bathing and make it easier to maintain good personal hygiene.
As a caregiver for a family member living with dementia, you bear a significant responsibility. Caring for someone with dementia is both physically and emotionally demanding, and neglecting your own wellbeing may lead to burnout and increased stress. Fortunately, you don’t have to shoulder this burden alone. At Companioa by Institute on Aging (IOA), our dementia day program is here to support you. We understand the challenges of this journey and want to provide family caregivers like yourself with the opportunity to recharge and uplift their spirits.
Encourage Independence
One of the best ways to encourage independence is to check the temperature of the water in the shower or bath before allowing your loved one to step in, then use prompts that can make the bathing process less challenging. Empowering your loved one to take on these tasks could slow the progression of dementia and increase their patience. Whether taking a bath, getting dressed, or washing their hair, these activities can encourage good hygiene and independence in seniors with dementia.
Understand Pain Issues
Speaking problems are common in older adults with dementia, especially as the condition progresses. When this occurs along with memory loss, your loved one could have difficulty explaining the pain issues associated with bathing. As a result, your loved one might refuse to take baths or act out physically when you ask them to get into the tub or wipe themself down.
When bathing your loved one, take your time to watch their facial expressions so you can get a better idea of what hurts and what they want to avoid. Split up the different bathing activities. For instance, instead of washing your loved one’s hair at the same time as the bath, you can do these hygiene tasks at different times or on different days.
Family members caring for loved ones with dementia also need to care for their own wellbeing. When you trust Companioa by IOA to provide dementia day care for your loved one, you can finally take a step back and allow our compassionate and skilled staff to provide the nurturing care your family member deserves. By taking some time for rest and respite, you can improve your emotional balance, patience, and overall health, and, most importantly, strengthen your relationship with your loved one. Additionally, taking a break offers you the chance to connect with fellow caregivers and professionals, creating a support system to lean on as you navigate important decisions for the future.
Make the Bathroom Safer
If your loved one is afraid of deep bath water, reassure them by ensuring the water is shallow or adding a seat. The objective is to learn more about your loved one’s triggers and rearrange the bathroom or bathing times in a way that prevents those problems and gives your loved one more confidence.
In some situations, dementia can lead to negative thoughts and actions, so you should remove different products that could risk your loved one’s safety. For example, in case your loved one has a negative response, it would be best to remove medications, sharp razors, and toxic cleaning products your loved one may have forgotten how to use correctly.
Even when families have the best intentions, caring for a senior loved one with dementia can be challenging. Fortunately, Companioa by IOA is here to help. Our social day program for dementia offers a modern, safe, and supportive environment while providing much-needed respite for family caregivers. Seniors in our day program enjoy daily group exercise, mental stimulation, opportunities for artistic expression, personalized assistance, and homemade meals made with fresh ingredients. We go beyond cognitive and physical care, fostering belonging and purpose that allows seniors with dementia to truly flourish with dignity and respect. If your loved one needs assistance with the challenges of aging, reach out to one of our knowledgeable, compassionate Connect Specialists today at (415) 750-4111.