Bathing is something many of us do every day, but it can present challenges when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. Licensed Master Social Worker Cheryl Blanchard on how to make bath time more pleasant for everyone.
Tips on Bathing:
- Decide how often your loved one needs a full bath/shower
- Make sure the bathroom is warm
- Have all supplies ready in advance
- Play soothing music
- Respect your loved one’s preferences for shower or bath
- Figure out what time of day is best
- If it gets difficult, stop and try again later
- Make bathing a step in getting to another event like church or dinner
- Don’t ask if they want to bathe, cheerfully say “It’s time for your bath.”
- Use a shower seat and hand held shower head
- Use terry cloth cover ups for modesty
- Allow loved one to bathe their private areas
- Wash hair last
