NBSP;
Alzheimer's and Dementia Counseling and Education: call Cindy Keith of M.I.N.D. in Memory Care at (814)-235-0691, or e-mail at keithc@mindinmemorycare.com
Moving In Nurturing Directions
in Memory Care
Dementia Information
Thursday, April 01, 2010
BATHING PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA TIPS
- Keep the bath area WARM--more warm than you like it--it's much easier to get their clothes off if they're not cold;
- Have distractions in the tub/shower area such as a rubber duck so you can ask "Now where did this come from?" Hand it to them and keep up a dialog about it;
- Don't get their head wet until the very last minute;
- Hand them a washcloth and allow them to do whatever they can with it--anything in their hands will serve to distract them;
- Don't ask them if they're ready for a bath--simply prepare the room, lead them in and keep talking about something they're interested in;
- If this is your spouse, take a shower with them;
- Have towels or cotton robe warmed by the clothes dryer ready to use immediately after getting out of the water;
- Put music they enjoy on in the bathing area, and encourage singing along;
- Keep up the chatter about topics of interest to them, and ask them questions;
- If they've developed a fear of the water in the bathtub, try a gentle seated shower with the spray directed on their feet;
- A good old-fashioned "wash-up" at the sink can keep them just as clean as long as they're getting their hair done in some other manner.
- Remember--the goal of the talking is to keep their mind off the bathing;
- The more distracting things you can have in the bathroom, the better your chances of keeping them calm;
Remember--what works well today, may not work at all in a few weeks. Just keep trying.
If you would like to sign up for my free Newsletter, please go to my website and click on the "Join my list" button.
Best of luck with the bathing issues!
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Cindy Keith, RN, BS,
Nationally Known Speaker Phone 814-235-0691 Fax 814-235-0695 Email: www.mindinmemorycare.com |
