Alzheimer’s Caregiving Tips - Bathing

At some point, people with Alzheimer’s disease will need help in bathing. Because this is a private activity, people may not want help. They may also feel angry about not being able to take care of themselves.

Helping someone with Alzheimer’s disease take a bath or shower can be one of the hardest things you do. Planning can help make bath time better for both of you. If the person is afraid of bathing, follow his or her lifelong bathing habits, such as doing the bath or shower in the morning or before going to bed.

Safety Tips

To keep the person with Alzheimer’s safe during bath time:

·                Never leave a confused or frail person alone in the tub or shower.

·                Always check the water temperature before he or she gets in the tub or shower.

·                Use a hand-held shower head.

·                Use a rubber bath mat and safety bars in the tub.

·                Use a sturdy shower chair to support a person who is unsteady and to prevent falls. You can buy shower chairs at drug stores and medical supply stores.

Before Bathing

Before starting a bath or shower:

·                Get the soap, washcloth, towels, and shampoo ready.

·                Make sure the bathroom is warm and well lighted.

·                Play soft music if it helps to relax the person.

·                Be matter-of-fact about bathing. Say, “It’s time for a bath now.” Don’t argue about the

need for a bath or shower.

·                Be gentle and respectful. Tell the person what you are going to do, step by step.

·                Make sure the water temperature is comfortable.

·                Don’t use bath oil. It can make the tub slippery and may cause urinary tract infections

During a Bath or Shower

Allow the person with Alzheimer’s to do as much as possible. This protects his or her dignity and helps the person feel more in control. Here are other tips:

•           Put a towel over the person’s shoulders or lap. This helps him or her feel less exposed.

       Then use a sponge or washcloth to clean under the towel.

•           Distract the person by talking about something else if he or she becomes upset.

•           Give the person a washcloth to hold. This makes it less likely that he or she will try to hit you.

After Bathing

Try these suggestions:

•           Prevent rashes or infections by patting the person’s skin with a towel. Make sure the

       person is completely dry. Be sure to dry between folds of skin.

•           If the person is incontinent, use a protective ointment, such as petroleum jelly, around

       the rectum, vagina, or penis. 

•           If the person has trouble getting in and out of the bathtub, do a sponge bath instead.

Other Bathing Tips

For most people, a full bath or shower two or three times a week is enough. Between full

baths, a sponge bath to clean the face, hands, feet, underarms, and genitals is all you

need to do every day. Also:

•           Washing the person’s hair in the sink with a hose attachment may be easier than        

        doing it in the shower or bathtub. 

•           Get professional help with bathing if it becomes too hard for you to do on your own.

(Source:  Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Centre, NIH, October 2012)