Caring for father in mid-stage Alzheimer's

anngarner14

Hello, I am new to this discussion board. I am one of a few people caring for my father in mid-stage Alzheimer's. One of the biggest challenges we have is changing his depends and getting him to shower. He becomes angry and won't change or take a shower. Sometimes it's 2-3 weeks between showers. I am so afraid for his health. Even the professional caregivers my sister and I have hired are unable to get him to shower. Any advice?

We do put a heater on in the bathroom since he is always cold, and the shower is a walk in with handrails and a seat. We try to use encouraging language. We don't get angry with him. But he just refuses. Open to suggestions.

SusanB-dil

Hi anngarner14 - welcome to 'here', but sorry for the reason.

Unfortunately, the cleansing issues are not unusual. You (or the caregivers) could try either a spongebath, or maybe those no-rinse washcloths.

In some cases, a PWD's depth perception is off, and can seem like they would be stepping into an abyss. In other cases, they feel they just did take a shower, so don't need another. There can be a number of reasons. It is good you don't get angry, but if you are trying to reason with him, his reasoner is broken and he just won't 'get it'.