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Author: Home Helpers Home Care

A common problem for seniors with dementia is that they may develop a greater resistance to the idea of bathing. There are a lot of different reasons for this, including fear and memory issues. Having a plan for bathing and other similar tasks can make a difference, though. Personal care at home can help family caregivers figure out the best plan to support seniors as they deal with the other challenges dementia brings.

Make the Bathroom Accessible and Safe

Bathroom safety, especially in the tub or shower stall, is so important for helping seniors with dementia bathe more often. Non-slip mats inside the shower area as well as on the bathroom floor can reduce fall risk. Grab bars are also helpful, but a shower chair or bench allow seniors to sit safely while bathing. Home care providers can offer support, ensuring seniors can bathe safely.

Avoid Arguments

Logic doesn’t work as well on seniors with dementia as it might have before dementia progresses, which can be frustrating when it seems like there is a simple task to handle. Associating bathing with activities seniors enjoy, like feeling clean and wearing comfortable clothing, can help much more. It also helps to explain clearly and succinctly what is going to happen throughout the process and personal care professionals have experience doing just that.

Prepare the Bathroom

Keeping the bathroom ready to go helps to eliminate some of the waiting seniors might endure when it comes to bathing. Stocking the bathroom with shampoo, soap, conditioner, towels, and washcloths means everything is right there when it’s time for the next shower. Other things to consider are ways to keep the bathroom at a comfortable temperature and anything else that might keep seniors relaxed.

Keep Preferences in Mind

Seniors with dementia can be very sensitive to smells and other sensations. For instance, water beating down from the shower head can be frightening, which might make it difficult for them to want to shower. Shifting to baths instead can make a positive difference. Using lotions, soaps, and shampoos that smell nice to seniors can help make bathing more enjoyable. Giving seniors with dementia choices helps a lot as well. They have little control over many other parts of life, so choices help them to feel more independent in some ways.

Don’t Rush the Bathing Process

Rushing seniors with dementia is not a helpful thing to do. Making them hurry or feel rushed is disorienting and may make them feel even more vulnerable while bathing. Personal care at home can help seniors to feel comfortable and safe, taking the bathing process at a pace that is pleasant for them.

Getting help from personal care at home allows seniors with dementia to have experienced assistance with a task that can feel overwhelming. This assistance also allows family caregivers to step back and avoid feeling like they’re forcing seniors to do things that feel unsafe or uncomfortable for them. In the end, what’s important is that seniors are comfortable and safe while their hygiene needs are met.

If you or an aging loved one are considering personal care at home in Mountain View, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers today (408) 317-4969.