Some seniors with Alzheimer’s find bathing unpleasant, and many even try to stop bathing before the process is complete, which can be dangerous if they aren’t supervised properly. If you’re providing care for an elderly loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, safety should always take priority. Here are a few tips to address your loved one’s Alzheimer’s symptoms and increase his or her safety when bathing.
Stay Calm
Seniors with Alzheimer’s can suddenly become confused or scared in the middle of a bath, which may cause them to want to get up and move around. To keep your loved one safe, staying calm in the moment is essential. If you appear stressed when helping your loved one bathe, he or she may become even more uncomfortable, causing him or her to slip and become injured.
Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Richmond Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
Maintain a Routine
Seniors living with Alzheimer’s often feel more relaxed when they have regular routines. If your loved one prefers bathing in the morning or evening, avoid changing the pattern whenever possible to prevent him or her from becoming agitated. Maintaining a routine should help your loved one stay calm and comfortable long enough to finish the bath safely.
Simplify the Experience
The longer your loved one stays in the shower or bath, the more likely he or she will become uncomfortable and try to leave, which increases the risk of falling. Try simplifying the bathing experience. For example, purchase bathing products that can be used for both hair and skin. You can even sew pockets into washcloths so your loved one doesn’t drop the soap and attempt to pick it up. Make sure you have these items ready before the bath begins.
Professional caregivers can assist seniors with bathing and other daily tasks. Families looking for top-rated elderly home care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Provide Seating
If your loved one doesn’t have a tub, using a bench or shower chair can make bathing safer. Though the seat may not be required for the entire bath, your loved one may be more comfortable and less combative if he or she has the option of sitting while bathing.
If your senior loved one has Alzheimer’s and needs help managing daily tasks, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of Alzheimer’s care. Richmond Home Care Assistance provides reliable caregivers around the clock to help your loved one age in place safely and comfortably while living with Alzheimer’s disease. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at (804) 207-4746 today.