Shower issues

mterbush1

I apologize if there is already a thread about this….

My mother is constantly refusing her showers, I understand the facility cannot make her shower but my concern is UTI/health issues, as she has a history with them. How long can they actually let her refuse to shower?

My sister and I try to be available on her shower day to help prod her but even then it sometimes doesn't work.

Any advice about care facility rules/regulations would be much appreciated:)

H1235

Im sorry have no idea what the rules are in a facility. Mom’s facility does showers once a week, which doesn’t seem very often, but I guess she doesn’t do much to need one. Would she allow someone to clean her with a wet washcloth or would she be willing/able to do that herself. There is no water shampoo that might help. A weekly visits to the in facility hair salon to at least get her hair washed might be helpful. You might also consider talking to her doctor to see if he thinks medication might help her feel less anxious. I hope you can find a solution.

mterbush1

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/258834#Comment_258834

Thank you so much for the reply:) I actually spoke with a RN today and she said her doctor is considering Depakote???? I found that to be strange since it's normally treatment for seizures, bi-polar, and migraines.

SDianeL

Not wanting to shower is very common for PWDs. There are many reasons. Anxiety, confusion, fear, not understanding why. I would talk to the head nurse at the facility. Usually they will attempt the shower and if not able, they will try again later or the next day. They cannot force the patient to shower. If the patient is aggressive they can’t allow the caregivers to be injured. Anti anxiety meds are common when the PWD behaves this way. Depakote is one of several meds they prescribe. Anti anxiety meds can increase fall risk so discuss that with the nurse. They can lower the bed and put a mat next to the bed in case they fall.

H1235

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/258838#Comment_258838

Mom was prescribed a medication primarily used for seizures. I don’t remember what it was. I was told it would help to stabilize her moods. It did not work for her.

ronda b

They can try and give her a 'bed bath". There are disposable wash cloths that have soap already on them that don't have to be rinsed. I bought them for my husband, they work great. Can also be used on the hair if it's short.

giltf1969

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The have very nice and thick disposable (no rinse needed) washcloths and no rinse shampoo also if she flat refuses to shower. They cannot force her and you wouldn't want them to. They or you can do an assist with your hand over their hand and guide them through doing it themselves it they are uncomfortable with anyone else doing it. That is what I suggest anyway.

chericrow

Thanks for posting. I’ve been struggling with this issue as well.

psg712

No rinse bath cloths have done the trick for my mom. She is terrified of the shower. Facility staff can encourage showers but cannot physically force someone to strip down, sit on a bench, pour on water and apply soap against her will. It would actually be perceived as assault.

I use no rinse shampoo caps for mom's hair - you can microwave them to warm them and then just put them on and massage the shampoo through her hair and into the scalp. They aren't like a water shampoo but do an acceptable job of keeping hair clean.