thing is one of life's most personal activities; we usually bathe alone. But a person who has Alzheimer's disease may need help. Eventually, someone else may have to bathe the person. This can upset a person who is confused and cant remember why bathing is important. He or she may feel physically threatened or violated and become angry and afraid. Although bathing is difficult at any stage of the disease, there are ways to make it easier for the bather and for the caregiver. Seiad Know the person's abilities Encourage the person to do as much as possible, but be ready to help when needed. Assess his or her ability to: 1 Find the bathroom. See clearly 1 Keep balance without fear of falling. @ Reach and stretch arms. am Remember steps in the bathing process, follow cues or examples. = Know how to use different products (soap, shampoo, ‘washcloth, et.) wm Sense water temperature. Prepare the bathroom in advance 1 Gather bathing supplies such as towels, washcloth, shampoo, and soap before you tll the person that i's time to bathe 1m Make sure the room is warm, 1 Use large beach towels or bath blankets that completely \wrap around the person for privacy and warmth, tt Have a washeloth ready to cover the person’ eyes to prevent stinging from water or shampoo. = Make sure that soap and shampoo are easy to reach, Try using hotel-sized plastic containers of shampoo. ‘Fill the tub and then assess the person's reaction to geting into the water. It may be better to il the tub ater the petson is seated alzheimer's QR association 1m Use only two or three inches of water 1m Try using a hand-held showerhead and make sure the spray isnt too intense. ‘= Monitor the water temperature. Be aware that the person may not sense when the water is dangerously hot or may resist bathing ifthe water is t00 coo. Focus on the person, not the task ‘Give the person choices. For example, ask if he or she ‘would ike to bathe now or in 15 minutes, o take a bath ora shower. ‘mF the person dislikes bathing say instead of, "Let's take a bath.” "Let's wash up.” 1m Realize that the person may perceive bathing to be ‘unpleasant, threatening, or abusive. Ifthe person resists bathing or acts out, distract him or her and try again later, ‘m Reassure the person. Say, "You are safe with me, I will help you." ‘© Ofien praise the person for his or her efforts and cooperation. ‘m Always protect the person's dignity, privacy, and comfort. Try to help the person feel less vulnerable by covering the person witha bath blanket while undressing ‘m Cover or remove the mirrors if a reflection in the bathroom mirror leads the person to believe there's a stranger inthe room. ‘2 Have a familiar person ofthe same sex help, if possible 1m Be flexible. Allow the petson to get into the tub or shower with clothes on. He or she may want to undress once clothes are Wet ‘m Avoid excessive serubbing ‘m Pad the shower seat and other cold or uncomfortable surfaces with towels 1m Have activities ready in case the person becomes agitate. For example, play soothing music or sing together. 1 Give the person something to hol, such asa sponge. Adapt the bathing process 1m Seta regular time of day for bathing. IF the person usually bates inthe momming it may confuse him or her to bathe at night. ‘8 Use simple phrases to tlk the person through the bathing process, such as: "Put your foot in the tb.” "Put your other foot inthe tub,” "Sit down." "Here is the soap.” "Wash your arm.”= Use other cues to remind the person what to do such as, covering the person's hand with yours to guide washing actions, a Keep a waterproof chair inthe shower and installa hand- held shower device. This way, the person can sit while showering 1 Be sure the person's genital areas are washed, especially if incontinence isa problem 1 Be sure the person is washed between folds of skin and under the breasts Simplify the process 1 Sow pockets into washcloths to hold soap. 12 Use an all-purpose gel to wash both hair and body. 12 Use special soaps that don't need rinsing 12 Use a nylon net sponge: it takes less work to make suds. Consider bathing alternatives 1m Wash one part of the body each day of the week. For example, wash from the waist tothe neck on Monday from the knees tothe waist on Tuesdays ete ww Try bed baths ifthe bathroom seems to bring out difficult, behavior. 1 Consider shampooing at another time or ona different day. m Alternate a sponge bath with a more complete bath or shower. Remember after-bath care Check for rashes and sores, especialy ifthe person is incontinent or unable to move around. 1 Seat the person while drying and putting on fresh clothes. 1m Make sure the person is completely dry. Pat the person dry instead of rubbing, 18 Use cotton swabs to dry between the toes. m Apply lotion to keep skin soft 1m Use comstarch or talcum powder under the breasts and in creases and folds of skin. IF the person wonkt use deodorant, use baking soda, 100 Aldciners Disa an Read Ds, ln. Al igh es EDNTZC Real 02 Play it safe 1m Never leave the person alone inthe bathroom. ‘= Lower the thermostat on your hot-water heater to prevent scalding injuries. ‘m Always check the water temperature, even ifthe person draws his or her own bath. '@ Always puta nonskid matin the tub or shower. ‘m Install grab bars and use a seat in the tub or shower. ‘Make sure there ae no puddles on the bathroom floor, think about installing carpet. ‘Through its nationwide network of chapters, the Association offers a broad range of programs and services for people with the disease, their families, and caregivers. ‘These services include support groups, telephone helplines, educational seminars, advocacy programs, and a variety of print and on-line resources on the disease, caregiving approaches, and current research. Research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of Alzheimer’ disease will ereate new options for treatment and care. The Alzheimer’s Association, the largest private funder of Alzheimer research, is dedicated to supporting scientists who are making advances toward conquering the disease. Alzheimer's Association 225 N. Michigan Ave. Fl. 17 Chicago, IL 60601-7633 (800) 272-3900 ‘TDD : (312) 335-8882 Exmnil : info@alzorg wowalz.org