How To Get Mom To Take Baths

Mama’sGirl · July 23

Hi Everyone, I’m having the hardest time getting my mother to take baths. She’s alway been a very clean person and used to love taking a relaxing bath. However since her Alzheimer’s and Vascular Dementia has progressed it’s getting harder to get her to cooperate. And of course, she reminds me that I’m the child and she’s the mother. Please advise, I would truly appreciate it. Thanks in advance

H1235 · July 24

First of all this is not uncommon. It’s a bit difficult since I don’t know what stage she is at. Have you tried a shower instead? I have heard that some pwd might not recognize themselves in the mirror. In the bathroom this can be uncomfortable since they think there is a stranger in there with them. Covering the mirror may help. My mil eventually just forgot how to shower. It might help to make things an easy as possible. Set out a towel, and buy a 3 in 1 shampoo, conditioner, body wash. With that being the only thing in the shower. If she still sees herself as very independent and gets angry with reminders, maybe a more subtle approach would work. “It’s been such a hot day, a shower sure is going to feel good. I think there is probably time for us both to get a shower before dinner tonight, what do you think.” I hope there is some idea that is useful. Good luck.

Emily 123 · July 24

Hi,

This may become one of those 'Pick your battles' kind of things if you're trying to keep her on a daily schedule with a full bath. Eventually I could trick my mom into taking a shower twice a week by telling her we were going out—otherwise it was really tough and she'd insist she'd showered already. If she can be kept clean with wipe-downs in between baths, then that's ok. Not optimal, but ok. (The nurses aides at my mom's MC likes the 'Inspire' premium washcloths from Amazon. )

Teepa Bathing tips:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKT9YIVPREE

Lynn24 · July 24

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/69987/how-to-get-mom-to-take-baths

My mother is in the late stages of vascular dementia, and she has been experiencing the same symptoms. I admitted her into hospice comfort care services a few months ago once she became resistant to the caregiver, in helping her shower. The hospice nurse helps out a few days a week to give her a sponge bath. Every now and then, I help her shower, although she is very resistant to it. I have noticed that she becomes more cooperative when the hospice nurse comes to assist me. Much easier process with two people.

Mama’sGirl · July 24

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/216814#Comment_216814

Thank you, I never thought about the mirrors. I’m thinking now, maybe that’s why she prefers the bedside potty instead of going to the bathroom. She in the 5th stage. Again, thanks so

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/216838#Comment_216838

thank you, I will definitely order those washcloths.

Mama’sGirl · July 24

Hi, good idea she loves to go out. Although she usually falls asleep in the car (smile). Thank you so much!

Mama’sGirl · July 24

Thank you all so much!

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/216838#Comment_216838

Hi, good idea she loves to go out. Although she usually falls asleep in the car (smile). Thank for the video. Thank you so much!

JeffCut · July 31

We switched to a shower chair and flexible shower head. Chair keeps it physically easier. Hygiene definitely challenging.

Dingie10 · July 31

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/69987/how-to-get-mom-to-take-baths

l understand your frustration. My mom would only shower once a week. Realizing she forgets after a few minutes, if she first said no, I’d wait about 1/2 hr and approach it again with the reward of going to the mall or out to eat (you can use something she may enjoy). My mom is 91 and she now showers every other day.

Good luck!

Mama’sGirl · August 2

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/217578#Comment_217578

Thank you, my mother love shopping. I’ll try that.

Mama’sGirl · August 2

Thank you.

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