Special considerations for bathing a person with Alzheimer's Disease

The following advice is from the National Institute on Aging Caregiver Guide for family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's Disease. I present it here because I think it can be of use to anyone working as a caregiver and to give those not working as caregivers a better undserstanding of what it means to be a caregiver.

Bathing
While some people with AD don't mind bathing, for others it is a frightening, confusing experience. Advance planning can help make bath time better for both of you.

• Plan the bath or shower for the time of day when the person is most calm and agreeable. Be consistent. Try to develop a routine.
• Respect the fact that bathing is scary and uncomfortable for some people with AD. Be gentle and respectful. Be patient and calm.
• Tell the person what you are going to do, step by step, and allow him or her to do as much as possible.
• Prepare in advance. Make sure you have everything you need ready and in the bathroom before beginning. Draw the bath ahead of time.
• Be sensitive to the temperature. Warm up the room beforehand if necessary and keep extra towels and a robe nearby. Test the water temperature before beginning the bath or shower.
• Minimize safety risks by using a handheld showerhead, shower bench, grab bars, and nonskid bath mats. Never leave the person alone in the bath or shower.
• Try a sponge bath. Bathing may not be necessary every day. A sponge bath can be effective between showers or baths.