How to Induce Bathing in Your Dad with Alzheimer's
By Jeremy Grant
Owner of Home Instead Brantford
Advice on How to Take Care of senior suffering from Alzheimer’s
Caring for a senior loved one with Alzheimer's can present unique challenges, including the task of bathing. Just like little ones, seniors with Alzheimer's might exhibit resistance or discomfort when it comes to taking a bath. Understanding their needs and finding strategies to ease the process can make a significant difference in their overall well-being. Here are some expert tips to help you navigate this sensitive situation:
Tips to Get Dad to Take a Bath
Quit arguing with your parents. Use these steps to help them clean up with less effort:
- Be Patient and Gentle
Approach bath time with patience and a gentle demeanour. Use positive and reassuring language to help your loved one feel comfortable. - Prioritise Safety and Comfort
Keep safety in mind. For support in the shower or tub, use a solid chair or rails. Use a handheld showerhead to ease your anxiety. - Monitor Temperature
Because an older person's skin is delicate and prone to scalding, pay special attention to the water's temperature. - Establish a Daily Routine
Make taking showers or baths a daily habit. You provide your loved one a sense of tranquilly by forming regular daily routines. - Prepare the restroom in advance.
Grab all the supplies you'll need, including shampoo, soap, towels, and washcloths. Increase the heat so that your senior will be comfortable entering and exiting the shower. Even some calming music might be appropriate for the background. - Maintain a Calm Environment
Dim the lights, play soothing music, or use aroma therapy to create a calming atmosphere. This can help reduce stress and make the experience more pleasant. - Choose the Right Timing
Select a time of day when your loved one is most relaxed. Avoid rushing or scheduling bath time during moments of agitation. - Enlist Professional Support
Consider seeking assistance from trained caregivers, such as Personal Support Workers (PSW's) from Home Instead Brantford. These professionals are experienced in providing dignified care and can offer valuable insights to help ease the bathing process.
Avoid battling with Dad's bath time and enlist assistance from Home Instead Brantford
Give up trying to convince Dad to take a bath. Ask the Home Instead Brantford Team for assistance. Our professionally trained caregivers understand the needs of the elderly and work with you to establish a plan to meet your needs, including respite for you. Give us a call, and let’s work together to keep your loved one happy, safe and clean.
Call us at (519) 752-4663 to schedule a no-obligation, in-home consultation. Learn more about the compassionate, quality senior care we deliver every day to families in Brantford, Paris, Ancaster, Stoney Creek, Dunnville, Port Dover, Woodstock, Caledonia, Cayuga, Fisherville, Simcoe, Waterford, Turkey Point, Port Rowan and Burford.