A Place for Mom's Family

With Alzheimer's or dementia, getting a loved one to bathe can often be a challenge. I talked to an adult daughter today who is the caregiver for her mom. She said that she has found a way to get mom clean. Mom has always been quite the gardener, so the daughter started using a watering can when she bathes her mom. This is not so frightening, and her mom finds it very silly. They have had no problems!

Thanks for sharing this tip Linda!  Does anyone else have a inventive way around an everyday challenge that they would like to share?

Bathing can be a challenge - and I think you hit on the key - make it FUN.  I heard a story from a daughter of one of my families that said they fill the tube with "bubbles" and Mom wants to stay in until the water is ice cold.  I am not sure how they managed shampooing, any ideas?  I think that could be frightening if not handled well. 

Karen,

This is just a suggestion/idea.  I have had this problem as a parent.  My children loved bath time but HATED when I washed their hair.  I purchased these "foam" visors that I would put on and the water would stay out of the face for the most part when I needed to rinse.

There are the shower caps to.  The kind that come to my mind will lather and clean the hair all within the cap that usually can be purchased at a health supply store.  My friend had to use them after an ear surgery.

Patty, what a GREAT idea!  You can purchase those at the "dollar store" in fun colors.    

I just wanted to comment on the topic of making bath time "fun time."  My Grandfather used to refer to his morning toilette as his "birdie bath."  He was meticulous about his grooming for all of his 84 years, but at some point the danger of falling prevented him from using the shower or tub.  So instead, he'd fill the bathroom sink with warm sudsy water and then pull up a chair to take his "birdie bath."  

The ability to manage his own personal care in this way allowed my "Uncle Jack," (as he liked to be called - because he said he was far too young to be called Grandpa) to feel independent longer.  This routine helped to preserve my grandfather's dignity, which was extremely important to him, and to my aunt as well during the ten years she cared for her father in her home.         

Thanks for this.   It's practical and useful!

Paul Hamilton

A Place for Mom 

I've used the shower caps before that have the dry soap inside - they work great and requires no rinsing.

Another tip is to set up the bathroom like a spa:  low lighting, make sure the room is nice and warm,  have towels, clothing, tub, (glass of wine-if appropriate) etc. already set up before bringing your loved one into the room.  Approach your loved one by telling them they deserve an hour of relaxation.  The event becomes something enjoyable versus a dreaded task.  Start by having the individual soak their feet in the tub with a foot rub while sitting on their shower chair.  At this point they are more relaxed and the rest of the bathing tasks will come together more easily.

What a very sweet note!  I hope that I will have someone as sweet as you are to look after me in my old age!