There may come some times when your patient refuses to take a bath and can’t be reasoned with. If that happens, don’t try and force him or her to follow your orders. It’s best that you just let it go, let the patient feel comfortable again, and then try at a later time when their mood might have changed. This usually works, but if you notice it becoming a persistent problem then you may have to seek professional support and get someone else to do it.

Be sure and keep the bathroom a safe place. Bathrooms are a wet and slippery place to be and the patient’s safety, as well as the caregiver’s, is a concern. A good idea would be to buy some grab rails, a non-slip mat and an extra chair for support. Just a few extra dollars spent can prevent some very serious accidents.

Yes, it is the least you can do for your loved one– to give back some of the expense and hardship he or she once showed you when you were a baby. While these situations were not always pleasant, let them show you that they serve reminders that you have unconditional love for your family. If you are a caregiver, while you might not be personally dealing with a family member, always remember that these are full grown human beings you’re dealing with, with real feelings and hearts. Many of them had children at one time and probably sacrificed a great deal for them. When you show as much love and patience as you can, even in such personal matters like bath time, you are showing your patients that you care. It’s important for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients to know that it’s a caregiver’s will, not just his job, to provide help.

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