Out of all the struggles related to providing care for a loved one with dementia, the Alzheimer’s Association reveals that the most prevalent challenge is with personal hygiene, for a number of reasons:
- Decreased sense of vision and smell
- Comfort present in familiarity (for example, needing to wear the same clothes over and over again)
- The complexities of bathing, compounded by cognitive impairment and confusion
- Fear of falling, the sounds and sensations associated with the water, and so much more
Cajoling, arguing, and logical thinking are rarely practical approaches with those impacted by Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Alternatively, try these innovative approaches when dementia and personal hygiene are a struggle:
- Prepare the bathroom beforehand so that the room is comfortable and you won’t need to juggle gathering supplies in conjunction with assisting the senior. Warm the room with a space heater, and set soap, shampoo, towels, washcloth, etc. within easy reach, as well as remove any throw rugs or other tripping hazards.
- A shower chair and hand-held sprayer usually make an even more calming bathing experience for anyone with dementia. Position the chair away from the faucet, and make use of towels to cover up areas of the body both before and after they have been washed in order to keep your loved one warm and to avoid feelings of exposure.
- Have the older adult help with showering tasks whenever possible to promote independence. It could be as simple as providing a washcloth or perhaps the shampoo bottle for the senior to hold.
- If hair washing is challenging for either of you, forego that activity during bath time, and plan regular trips to the salon.
- Organize a special outing with the senior, such as a dinner date with a good friend, and center bath time around getting ready for the occasion.
- Bring in the support of a physician, who can advise your loved one about the heightened risk of infection or skin issues without proper hygiene. Quite often, hearing from a trusted third party carries more weight than from a family member.
- Engage the services of a caregiver, allowing your loved one the dignity of having personal care needs tended to by a professional, as opposed to a member of family.
At Independence-4-Seniors Home Care, providers of the best home care Hinsdale and the surrounding area have to offer, each of our caregivers is proficient in safe hygiene procedures for older adults, with specialized training to aid those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease to feel safe with personal hygiene tasks, including creative techniques for safe bathing, skin, hair, and oral care, restroom help and support, and much more. Reach out to us to learn more dementia and personal hygiene solutions at (630) 323-4665.