Some things to keep in mind while giving your loved one with dementia a bath

1. Tips for bathing a
person with dementia

2. Introduction
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• Personal hygiene of Dementia
patients causes much stress and
concern among the caregivers
• Engage the loved one in the
whole procedure by giving them
a sense of control
• Create a conducive environment
before starting the bathing
process

3. Some basic tips
• Understand what is leading
to the withdrawal or refusal
to bathe
• Maintain a sense of respect
for their privacy
• Gently ask for their
permission to help
• Include their preferences like
choice of soap, clothing etc.
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4. Create a dementia friendly environment
• Make the environment
warm and dementia
friendly
– Anti skid mats
– Grab bars
– Chair
– Hand showers
– Check the water
temperature
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5. Identify the triggers for refusal to bathe
• Is there any underlying pain
• Is the water warm enough
• Is the room located close to
the bath for person to change
their clothes
• Is there enough privacy to
avoid the feeling of
embarrassment and
vulnerability
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6. Tips for the Bathroom
• Toilet and shower seats,
bathroom door and handles
should be of contrasting
colors
• Remove bathroom locks
• Keep the sockets and pointed
objects covered
• Usage of all equipment like
hair dryers, geysers should be
supervised
• There should be natural
ventilation and sunlight in the
bathroom
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7. Tips for Bathing
• Keep everything ready and
handy
• Keep only essential items in the
bathroom like towel, bath robe
etc.
• Use the toiletries like soap,
shampoo that are familiar to
the person
• Water should always be poured
from behind
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8. Be flexible
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• Don’t force the elderly to
stick to a bathing time
• Skip a day or two and
substitute with sponge
bathing
• Leave the undergarments or
light clothing on if elderly
feels vulnerable
• Use a bathing ritual most
comfortable for the elderly

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