Dementia Care: Tips to Reduce Bathing Challenges

Bathing is one of the struggles of caregivers for older adults with cognitive impairments such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. Although it varies from one person to another, some may be resistant to taking a bath. As a home care provider in Harwood Heights, Illinois, we will share helpful tips to reduce bathing challenges when caring for an individual with dementia:

  • Establish a bathing routine
    Creating a routine of taking a bath at the same time every day allows individuals with dementia to integrate the activity as part of their day. By establishing predictability, it reduces their anxiety and decreases the likelihood of resistance.
  • Ensure their comfort and safety
    Take into consideration the individual’s comfort and safety by installing items like handrails or grab bars by the shower or bathtub. Installing bright lighting will also help reduce their fear of bathing while using warm room temperature water makes the experience more comfortable.
  • Seek additional assistance
    In addition to creating a routine and making sure they are comfortable, there is also the option of seeking additional assistance. Caregivers in Illinois assist with personal care and activities of daily living. This includes routine care assistance to promote good personal hygiene.

Angel Caregivers, Inc. is a privately owned home care agency specializing in non-medical home care services in Illinois. With our clients’ safety and health in mind, we offer veteran advantage and home care services to address their needs. Browse our blog for similar content or call us to learn more about our services.