Posted on September 1, 2010 - by Nurse Virginia

WHY DO THE ELDERLY WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE FIGHT TAKING A BATH?

(Part I)

“You’re Mother is getting very combative when we try to bathe her, she fights with everyone we send in there. You are just going to have to come and bathe her yourself.” Sheila knew her Mother could be difficult, but having to bathe her own Mother – she never thought it would come to this.

What could have gone so wrong? – Problems bathing a person with Alzheimer’s disease.

It might have been the way the caregivers approached the elder:

• Always approach the confused elder from the way they are facing – especially important with a male caregiver – so the elder can see you coming and not be surprised
• Always approach with a smile – and unrushed attitude
• Say the elder’s name – so they realize you know them, so they must know you
• Talk to them for a little while – don’t just start in with “You need a bath.”
• It is your job to set the tone, pace and mood – this can happen more easily if you offer a snack – enjoy it with the elder – then when you are on a friendly basis with the elder give them a cue that a bath is coming –maybe look at your watch and say “Oh no the time just got away from me, would you like to take your bath now or after breakfast?”

Reasons why the elder would not want to take a bath:

• Afraid of getting cold – room is too cold or water is too cold
• Loss of interest in personal hygiene – elder may be depressed and just doesn’t want to bother ( illness can also cause a loss of interest in hygiene)
• Persons with Alzheimer’s disease may forget what a bath is for and not see the need for one.
• The elder with Alzheimer’s disease may feel very offended that someone is suggesting that they are dirty – they have always been considered a very clean person.
• The caregiver picked a bad time – the elder was doing something they enjoyed and didn’t want to leave, just because this person they don’t know says they need to give them a bath.
• It just took too long for the caregiver to get everything ready and the elder had had enough of waiting

Virginia Garberding, R.N.

Director of Education, The Wealshire, Lincolnshire, Illinois

Author: Please Get To Know Me – Aging with Dignity and Relevance

www.pleasegettoknowme.com