Sometimes it might be a test to get your loved one motivated into wanting to take a bath. There are times when he or she will resist, which make the experience frustrating. What you can learn, however, is that when you associate bath time with a social activity, it can prompt a person to want to wash. You may tell him or her that you have to wash first before he or she goes out to dinner or has a visitor over. That positive reinforcement makes him or her more agreeable to bathing. You should not force your loved one to wash; just try to make it an enjoyable experience. Rather than criticize a patient because of their cleanliness, try and use praise and encouragement to get them to wash.

Some advice is to not use showers for bath time unless the patients have been used to it for quite a while. A shower can be alarming and the person’s comfort is the most important factor.

As far bathing goes, it is important to simplify the process. Let them do as much as they can. Sometimes patients know they need a bath but may have forgotten how to wash. If that happens, gently remind them of the required steps to take and as much as possible let them wash alone if possible. It’s important to let the patients do as much as they can. Your loved one might be proud and independent-minded and never wanted anyone to do him or her favors. You might imagine some of your patients or loved ones feel the same way. That’s why the advice is to allow the patient as much dignity as possible and let them feel proud of the effort they put forth, even if it’s just a little.

It’s possible that in such an intimate situation as bath time, an Alzheimer’s or dementia patient will feel embarrassed. This is perfectly natural and it is advisable that if they feel very self-conscious to go ahead and cover private areas of their body with a rag or towel. If will help them feel comfortable and will help establish trust with your patient, so it is worth doing.

« 1 2 3 »