Especially for your loved one with dementia, taking a bath is a necessary practice, both for their hygiene and health. But as dementia progresses in your family member, they may exhibit aggressive behaviors in response to your assistance. These reactions are mainly due to their lack of cognitive ability to process the events happening around them. In most cases, they would think that your assistance is intruding their privacy. With these realities, how can you still proceed with bathing them without necessarily triggering unpleasant behavior?

From our experience in providing dementia care and Homecare Service in Las Cruces, New Mexico, let us share with you these compiled tips to help you in bathing a loved one with dementia.

• Prepare all bathing essentials

  When you help out to bathe a loved one with dementia, you would want to give them all your attention. Hence, excusing yourself for a few seconds to get the towel may not be safe for them to stay alone in the bathroom. Remember also that bathrooms are slippery places that are risky for falls for seniors. To avert this, always be ready with the complete bathing equipment before washing them.

• Talk to them gently

  Because of their dementia, your loved one might resist your efforts in helping them to the bath. You can help handle this by talking to them gently and cheerfully. In particular, tell them about what you’re going to do and which part you’re going to wash. This way, they will not be taken by surprise and will comply accordingly.

• Watch out for water temperature

  Before bathing them, ensure that the water temperature is just at the right level. You don’t want to surprise your senior loved one from too much heat or cold. The surprise may result in unwelcomed consequences which might disrupt the bathing altogether.

• Cover their body

  Your loved one also deserves their dignity and respect, especially with their condition. To show this, make sure that their private parts are covered when you’re washing them. You can also get their assistance to wash these parts especially if they’re able to do so.

• Follow a routine

  Your loved one can also benefit from following a routine. When your bathing time is just within schedule, especially along the routine when their dementia is still in the early stages, there are more chances that they will not react negatively to the activity.

When your loved one’s illness progresses and they lose the ability to recognize you, it’s your love that can see them through to the end. As your provider of Medical Staffing in New Mexico, we continue to encourage you to provide all the love and care that your loved one deserves especially when they are facing dementia. Whenever you need assistance in caring for them at home, our team at Safari Healthcare Associates is ready to lend a hand. Contact us about our services or if you would like to inquire about our Hospice Care Assistance in New Mexico.

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