Archive for September 8th, 2007

My sister nursed extended care for 20 years and she commented it seemed universal, her Alzheimer’s patients feared to be bathed. One thing she did is hold a facecloth over the shower head so it was less scary. Thanks, Shirl. I’ll try that next fight, I mean bath:)

Hope a couple tips help you folks -

I give him the choice of now or after supper (or whatever)

I run the water and talk up a storm to try to keep him “occupied”

I tell him to strip and give him his robe to put on before the bath – seems to help for whatever reason.

I hand him his towels and facecloths to reinforce the “event”:)

I run a ceramic space heater and leave the fan off so it’s very comfy. If you run cold water in the tub first, it doesn’t steam up the room.

I put the shampoo in my wet hands and just start rubbing his hair

I run the blow dryer over his body after we towel off as his complaint is,”I don’t like getting wet.”

Then I dress him in a nice T shirt and flannel PJ bottoms so he’s more comfortable.

***Actually, one day I asked him why he hates his bath so much – he answered he doesn’t like getting wet. So, how do you reply to that? Then he laughed and asked if he could be dry cleaned!

He used to always shower but now I find it’s easier for me to help if he is sitting – can’t get away – and his feet and nails get soaked well.

As usual, thanks for listening.