Six Reasons Your Loved One May Not Want to Bathe

Caring for an elderly loved one with Alzheimer’s disease often involves tackling challenging daily tasks, and bathing is no exception. What seems like a simple, routine activity can become a major obstacle for your loved one, requiring patience, understanding, and sometimes professional Alzheimer’s care.

Just because your loved one has Alzheimer’s doesn’t mean they don’t need proper care—it simply means you may need to approach these tasks differently to meet their unique needs.

 

Why are Baths So Hard?

For many, baths and showers are a relaxing way to unwind or the perfect way to start the day. However, in Alzheimer’s care, these seemingly simple tasks can become major challenges for both patients and caregivers.

The bathroom often turns into a source of stress and frustration (if you even get that far). But why does your loved one with Alzheimer’s struggle so much with bathing?

While they may not always be able to express their reasons, here are six possible explanations for why bathtime has become so difficult.

1. He’s uncomfortable having you see him without clothes on. If your elderly loved one raised you, he might think it’s demeaning or embarrassing to have you help him now.
2. Water might have become frightening. Some dementia patients lose their ability to gauge the depth of a full tub, and that inability can make the tub look deeper than it is. They might also have a fear of drowning or getting water in their eyes or nose.
3. Something in the room is making them uncomfortable. The water might be too cold or too hot. The temperature in the room may also be too cold or hot. Perhaps the lights are too dim. It might be that he doesn’t like the feel of the towel when he dries off.
4. He might forget when he last bathed and not feel like he needs another bath. When time begins to become confused, your elderly loved one could easily think he just had his shower this morning, even though it’s been a couple of days.
5. He might not see the reason for bathing. Your loved one might forget why he needs to regularly bathe and thus see no reason to comply with bathtime.
6. Baths or showers may make him unsteady on his feet. He might fear slipping and falling and injuring himself. He might not think you’re strong enough to help physically keep him safe.

 

Making Bathtime Better if You’re the Problem

While your loved one may not be able to clearly communicate with you about why he doesn’t like to bathe, watch for his reactions throughout the process to see if you can determine where his discomfort stems from. If he seems uncomfortable having your help, consider having someone trained in Alzheimer’s care come to the home to help him with bathing.

An Alzheimer’s care provider will be a less intimate person to get undressed in front of, plus your Alzheimer’s care provider will have some tricks up her sleeve to make the process go more smoothly.

 

 

 

If you or an aging loved one is considering Alzheimer’s Care in Chantilly, VA, please contact the caring staff at Butters Home Health Care today. (703) 371-2113