Why Do Dementia Patients Have Trouble with Bathing?

A common problem for dementia patients is that they start to have more difficulty with bathing. Sometimes this is due to physical causes, but there are other reasons, too. Bathing is a bit part of helping dementia patients to stay clean as well as healthy, though, so bathing can’t just get skipped. Alzheimer’s care providers can be a huge help to family caregivers with a senior who has dementia and is resisting bathing.

Cognitive Impairment and Confusion

Cognitive impairment is a part of dementia, and this can cause seniors to have trouble with bathing. They may forget when they last bathed or even that they need to have a bath or shower. They might forget how to take a shower. Processing information becomes more difficult, and bathing is one of many tasks that becomes more of an issue.

Sensory Overload

Bathing is full of sensations, from the sounds to the temperatures to the water itself. For many dementia patients, the sound of running water or the feel of the water on their skin can be just too much from a sensory perspective. That makes bathing something that they start to avoid for as long as they can.

Anxiety and Fear

There might also be anxiety and fear related to bathing for dementia patients. They may be afraid they’re going to fall or they feel more vulnerable and exposed than they did in the past. The bathroom is a scary place, increasing fear and resistance. Elder care providers can be a huge source of support, keeping seniors safe in the bathroom and reducing the anxiety of bathing.

Physical Challenges

Dementia may not be all that seniors are dealing with, either. Mobility issues, muscle weakness, and joint pain can be a part of the later stages of dementia, but seniors may deal with those concerns in the early stages of dementia due to other causes. These physical challenges can make the emotional and cognitive challenges even more difficult to manage.

Routine or Environment Changes

Routines are really important for seniors with dementia. Changes in those routines, particularly unexpected changes, are incredibly distressing for seniors who have dementia. If something in the bathroom or about the bathing routine has changed unexpectedly, that may cause seniors to have more resistance to bathing.

Communication Troubles

Problems with communication are extremely common for dementia patients. If they’re not able to communicate quickly or clearly, they may worry that they won’t be able to have their needs met while bathing. Alzheimer’s care providers are experienced at helping seniors with dementia communicate and feel understood. This can help reduce fears around bathing.

Strategies for Assisting with Bathing

Alzheimer’s care providers help families learn and implement a variety of different strategies for making bathing easier and safer for seniors with dementia. Simplifying instructions, keeping the environment soothing, and making sure seniors are safe all help make the bathing process more enjoyable.

Seniors with dementia need to feel safe and supported when they’re doing something as vulnerable as bathing. Alzheimer’s care services help families determine what might be creating issues so that they can help seniors bathe safely on a regular basis.

If you or an aging loved one is considering Alzheimer’s care in Lodi, CA, please contact the caring staff at Provident Care Home Care today at (209) 578-1210.