TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

With Planning, A Little Creativity, Bath Time Won't Be Battle Time

ADVERTISEMENT

By LYN ROCHE Tribune correspondent

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 9, 2008

Dear Lyn: I take care of my mother who has dementia. We don't have many problems, with the exception of bath time. It's always a battle! I try to convince her that she needs a bath, but she resists. She can't bathe herself anymore, and we can't afford to bring someone in to do it. I need some tips. - Battle-fatigued Babe

Dear Babe: Trying to convince someone with dementia that they need to bathe seldom works. Your mother's logic is no longer your logic. Actually, telling anyone that they need a bath can put them on the defensive. Forcing your mother to take a tub bath or shower could be dangerous for both of you.

Think back to what kind of bathing she did in the past. What was her routine? Try to make the bath area appear familiar, inviting, and nonthreatening to her. Suggest bathing at the time of day she's usually most cooperative. Many care recipients respond well to bathing in the morning, since they only have to dress once for the day.

Your mother may be fearful of the sound of running water or afraid of getting water on her head. Don't shampoo her hair during bath or shower time. Try a dry shampoo or a no-rinse shampoo at a time and location in your home not associated with the tub or shower.

Deep tub baths are not generally recommended for people with dementia. A shallow amount of water and a safe sturdy bath seat work for some. Shower water on the skin can be alarming and actually painful to some dementia patients. Hand-held shower nozzles are usually more acceptable and easier than overhead showers.

Your mother could be afraid of falling. Whether tub or shower, strong grab bars are a must. They need to be seen easily and strategically placed. Floors should be kept dry and not slippery. Beach shoes are great for bath- or shower-time safety. The upper parts are made of a fast-drying mesh and the soles have a rubber coating.

Make sure the bathroom is free of drafts and warm enough to be comfortable, but not hot. Same goes for the water. Dementia can decrease one's ability to sense how hot something is. Have the setting lowered on your water heater to ensure your mother will never be burned by hot water. Always test the water with your own hand or elbow before she's exposed to it.

There's also the possibility your mother may be modest or self-conscious being undressed in front of you. My book "Coping With Caring" contains suggestions regarding caregiver sensitivity and maintaining a person's dignity while helping them bathe. There are also alternative ways to keep a person clean other than showers and tub baths. Thorough sponge baths or bed baths could solve your problem. She may just be going through a stage, and then all of a sudden she will change and agree to a regular bath or shower. Continue offering her choices as to what manner of bath, rather than asking her if she wants to bathe.

Whatever the form of bathing, always have everything ready beforehand. Then, announce in a confident manner that it's bath time. Make sure your voice is cheerful. You might even suggest that you'll have ice cream or a favorite treat together afterward. And don't rub with the towel when you dry her skin - gentle pats with a soft towel are kinder to the skin and the spirit.

Caregiving expert and author Lyn Roche helped care for her father, mother-in-law and grandmother. Write Lyn Roche at Journey Publications, P.O. Box 433, Sebring, FL 33871 or lyn@thecaregiverscaregiver.com. Visit her Web site at www.thecaregiverscaregiver.com

-30-

© Journey Publications 2008

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT