Strategies To Overcome Resistance to Bathing for a Loved One With Dementia

Author

Advocate In-Home Care - Ft. Myers

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Advocate In Home Care

Posted on

Jul 18, 2023

Book/Edition

Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties , Florida - Southwest

share-this
Share This

When a loved one has dementia, there can be a number of challenging behaviors that must be managed creatively. A resistance to bathing is one such behavior. Once a welcomed way to start the day or a relaxing way to end the day, bathing may become an activity that is met with discomfort, embarrassment, and fear.
An unwillingness to bathe is stressful for both the family caregiver and the individual with dementia. Attempts to encourage bathing may dissolve into arguments, hostility, and crying.

Is Resistance to Bathing Common For People With Dementia?

It's important to know that a resistance to bathing is not uncommon in a person with dementia. In addition to feeling uncomfortable with the need for assistance with such an intimate activity, the person may not recognize a need for bathing, may find bathing a cold, uncomfortable experience, or their depth perception may have diminished, making it frighting to step into the bathtub.
The good news is that there are a variety of strategies that can help make a loved one feel comfortable and secure before, during, and after the bathing process. To help family caregivers overcome a loved one’s refusal to bathe, American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care offer the following tips to restore calm.

Top Tips For Overcoming Resistance to Bathing When a Loved One Has Dementia

Prep the space.

  • Gather all of the supplies needed before attempting to get a loved one with dementia to bathe. This includes shampoo, soap and any other necessary items like sponges or washcloths and towels. Consider using soap that is lavender-scented to help encourage relaxation and shampoo that won’t sting if it gets in the eyes.
  • Ensure that the bathroom is a comfortable temperature and use a space heater if necessary to make sure the room is adequately warm.
  • Have plenty of large, fluffy towels or a terry cloth robe on hand that can wrap completely around the person. This not only helps keep the individual warm, but it also helps provide privacy and a feeling of security.
  • Play relaxing music and use an essential oil diffuser or scented candles to create a calming, spa-like atmosphere.

Use positive reinforcement and don’t argue.

  • Logic and reason don’t work when it comes to encouraging a loved one with dementia to bathe. Instead, use short, simple sentences explaining each step of the process.
  • Help the person associate bathing with a positive activity that occurs once the shower or bath is complete. For example, offer a favorite snack or suggest a favorite activity only after bathing. This reinforcement can help a loved one with dementia link bathing with something they look forward to and enjoy.
  • Use a calm, soothing tone when speaking with the person and say “we” instead of “you.” This helps establish the feeling that this is a relaxing activity that is being done together rather than something they are going through alone.

Ensure that the bathtub or shower is safe and accessible.

  • Use a non-slip mat or install non-skid strips inside the tub or shower, as well as outside, to reduce the risk of falls.
  • Have grab bars securely installed to help increase safety.
  • Use a shower chair or tub bench that can adjust to different heights, allowing the individual to sit while bathing.

Use a hand-held showerhead to minimize fear.

  • The overhead spray from a traditional showerhead can induce fear in a person with dementia.
  • A hand-held showerhead helps to control when and where water touches the person and also allows them to see where the water is coming from.
  • Always test the water temperature before it comes into contact with the person.
  • Once the water is at a comfortable temperature, explain that you’re going to put water on their feet, hands, etc.
  • If the spray of the water or sound of the water running is especially bothersome, use the shut-off valve on the hand-held showerhead to stop the water while the individual is soaping up.

Engage the individual in the process.

  • Because there are so many steps involved in bathing, the process may feel overwhelming for a person with dementia. Minimize these feelings by involving the person in the process. For example, ask the individual to hold the soap or shampoo.
  • Allow for as much independence and control as possible during the bathing process. Encourage the individual to do something on their own, but offer cues to help, for example, “take this soap in your hand and rub it on your arm.”
  • Use encouraging words and actions and never make the person rush.
  • Be respectful of modesty and feelings of vulnerability and offer towels so that the individual can cover up while bathing.

How Can In-Home Care Help With Resistance to Bathing?

Another option to help minimize the stress associated with bathing is to partner with a referred care provider from American, Advocate or Whitsyms In-Home Care. With specialized training and a compassionate approach to dementia care, the referred care providers use a variety of techniques to ensure each person in their care is always treated with dignity and respect.

In addition to assisting with bathing and other personal care needs, referred care providers also offer friendly companionship, memory care activities, respite care for family caregivers, and much more. With a focus on maintaining independence safely, each plan of care is specially customized to help individuals live life to the fullest.

To learn more about all the ways in-home care services can help, contact us today at the location nearest you.

  • American In-Home Care – Serving North, Central, and West Coast of Florida
  • Advocate In-Home Care – Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida
  • Whitsyms In-Home Care – Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida

State of Florida License and Registration Numbers: 30211518, 30211651, 30211295, 30211390, 30210978, 30211293, 30211382, 30211504, 30211733, 30211535, 30211531, 30211710, 30211709, 30211045, 5661

Other Articles You May Like

Connecting Senior Care Providers with Caregivers Online

Helping Families Find the Right Care, Right When They Need ItTodays families are searching online first when looking for trusted senior care. Whether it's finding an assisted living facility, a reliable home health provider, or supportive legal and transportation services most begin their journey with a Google search.But what happens if your business isnt showing up?Thats where Seniors Blue Book comes in. We're focused on connecting senior care providers with caregivers online in the moments that matter most.Why Online Visibility is Everything in Senior CareIn todays digital-first world, a strong online presence is no longer optional. Families and caregivers need fast answers and trustworthy recommendations. If your senior-focused business isnt visible when they search, chances are theyll never find you and will instead turn to a competitor who is easier to access online.This is a common challenge for many senior housing and care providers: You offer incredible service, but youre not getting in front of the right people.Heres how Seniors Blue Book helps change that.We help you get discovered and trusted online through tools that are easy, effective, and built with your audience in mind.Our proven strategy includes: Free Listings That Deliver Value We offer a free online listing that puts your business on our trusted directory, where families already come to search for senior care services. Its a simple way to show what you offer, where youre located, and how people can contact you all in one place. Targeted Search Categories From assisted living and memory care to elder law and hospice our categories are optimized to match what people are actively searching for. We make it easy for caregivers to find exactly what they need, when they need it. Upgraded Visibility Options Want to stand out even more? Our premium listing options put your services front and center giving you more impressions, clicks, and inquiries from serious prospects. SEO-Driven Pages Built for Engagement Each profile and article on Seniors Blue Book is optimized to be search-friendly and user-friendly helping you rank better and connect with people faster. A Trusted Name in Senior Care Families recognize and trust Seniors Blue Book. Our reputation helps lend credibility to the providers we feature, which builds more confidence with potential clients from the very first interaction.What Caregivers Are Looking for OnlineWhen caregivers search online, theyre not just browsing theyre making real decisions. Heres what theyre hoping to find quickly: Clear service information Contact details and next steps Location and service area Trust indicators (reviews, branding, presence) Content that educates or reassures them If your listing checks all these boxes, youre far more likely to get chosen. And if your business is positioned on a platform like Seniors Blue Book, youre even closer to being their first choice.Why This Matters for Senior-Focused BusinessesMost families dont have time to research 10 different websites, call around, or drive from place to place.Theyre looking for a trusted source that helps them filter through the noise.By being visible on Seniors Blue Book, you not only show up you show up in the right way.It means more quality leads. More engagement. And more chances to do the work you do best: helping seniors live well.Let Us Help You Reach the Right PeopleIf youre ready to stop missing out on potential clients, were here to help. Our mission is simple connecting senior care providers with caregivers online, where real decisions are made.Start with a free listing and see the difference it can make.Call us today at 800-201-9989 or email hello@seniorsbluebook.com to get started. Make sure families find and choose you.

5 Proven Ways to Build Trust with Caregivers and Families Searching for Senior Services

Todays families and caregivers are doing their homework online before making any decision about senior care. Whether theyre searching for assisted living, home health services, or trusted resources, one thing matters most: trust. If your business isnt building that trust from the very first digital touchpoint, youre likely losing potential clients to competitors who are. In this post, well explore five practical ways you can build trust with caregivers and familiesand how Seniors Blue Book can help you do just that. Be Where Families Are Searching Families looking for senior services start their journey online. If your business isnt easily found on platforms they trust, youre invisible to them. - Get listed in senior-focused directories like Seniors Blue Book - Ensure your Google My Business profile is complete and verified - Use clear, searchable terms like home care, assisted living, and hospice support Our free Seniors Blue Book listing helps you show up when and where families are searchingno guesswork needed. Create Content That Answers Their Questions Caregivers and family members are often overwhelmed. By offering helpful, easy-to-understand content, you can ease their stress and become a go-to resource. - Write blogs that address common questions (Whats the difference between assisted living and memory care?) - Share downloadable checklists, guides, or tips - Post educational videos or infographics on social media Seniors Blue Book supports content visibility by helping you connect your content to an audience thats actively looking for answers. Showcase Real Stories and Testimonials People trust people. Share testimonials, case studies, and reviews from real clients to show that your services deliver peace of mind. - Use first names and photos (with permission) to make testimonials more relatable - Highlight stories that show transformationbefore and after your support - Ask happy families to leave Google or Facebook reviews Trust builds when families can see themselves in the stories you share. Be Transparent About Services and Pricing Trust is lost when things feel unclear. The more upfront you are, the more confident families feel about taking the next step. - Provide detailed service descriptions - Offer general pricing ranges when possible - List whats included in your service packages Keep Your Information Up to Date A website or listing thats outdated sends the wrong message. Keep everything fresh and relevant. -Regularly update your photos, staff bios, and contact details - Refresh blog content and services as your offerings grow - Monitor and respond to online reviews Trust isnt built overnightbut it starts with visibility, transparency, and helpful content. Caregivers and families want to feel confident in the services they choose for their loved ones. When your brand shows up clearly, answers their questions, and proves its credibility, youre not just gaining attentionyoure gaining loyalty.Ready to build trust with caregivers and families and start getting found by the right people? List your senior-focused business with Seniors Blue Book today. Start with a free listing and show families exactly why they should choose you. Reach out to us at hello@seniorsbluebook.com or call 800-201-9989 today to get started.

Aging in Place with Dignity: How Homecare Services Empower Independence for Seniors in Pittsburgh

As more older adults express a strong desire to age in place, families across Pittsburgh are seeking solutions that allow their loved ones to remain in the comfort of their own homes while still receiving the care and companionship they need. Aging in place means staying in ones own residence as one grows older, rather than moving into assisted living or a nursing facility. For many seniors, this choice represents independence, familiarity, and dignity. But aging in place doesnt mean aging alone. Thats where Seniors Helping Seniors in Pittsburgh is making a meaningful difference. This unique in-home senior care provider offers a compassionate and innovative model: pairing older adults who need assistance with other active, caring seniors who can provide that help. Meeting the Real Needs of Seniors The challenges of growing older can feel overwhelmingespecially when tasks that were once routine become more difficult. From help with grocery shopping and meal preparation to medication reminders and transportation to doctors appointments, the day-to-day needs of aging adults can pile up quickly. Many family caregivers try to manage it all, often at the expense of their own health and peace of mind. In-home senior care in Pittsburgh through organizations like Seniors Helping Seniors provides crucial support that eases this burden. But what makes this service truly unique is its peer-based approach. By matching older adults with other compassionate seniors, care feels less like a transaction and more like a trusted friendship. According to numerous studies, social interaction and companionship play a critical role in senior mental health, often improving mood, reducing isolation, and even slowing cognitive decline. Seniors Helping Seniors doesnt just provide helpit brings real human connection into the home. The Benefits of Aging in Place with Homecare Support 1. Safety and Comfort in Familiar Surroundings Home is more than just four walls. It holds memories, routines, and a deep sense of identity. Homecare services allow seniors to stay in this familiar environment, reducing stress and anxiety often associated with relocation. With the help of a caregiver, even small modifications and daily assistance can dramatically improve safety, especially for those with mobility issues or chronic health conditions. 2. Personalized, One-on-One Attention Unlike institutional settings, in-home care is tailored to the individual. Seniors Helping Seniors Pittsburgh creates personalized care plans based on each persons unique needs, routines, and preferences. Whether its light housekeeping, help with errands, or simply a daily check-in, every service is delivered with a level of attentiveness and compassion that is hard to match in larger care facilities. 3. Maintaining Independence and Self-Worth One of the hardest parts of aging for many seniors is the loss of independence. With in-home elder care, seniors maintain a greater level of autonomy. Rather than having tasks done for them, care providers often assist with tasks alongside themencouraging participation and preserving dignity. 4. Companionship and Emotional Support Aging in place can sometimes feel isolating, especially for seniors who live alone or have lost a spouse. But Seniors Helping Seniors understands that emotional well-being is just as important as physical health. Their caregiversmany of whom are also retireesoffer heartfelt companionship. Theyre there to chat, play cards, take a walk, or just be present. This kind of peer support builds trust and fosters a sense of community within the home. 5. Peace of Mind for Families For family caregivers, knowing their loved one is not just cared for, but truly seen, is priceless. Many adult children struggle with guilt or burnout trying to juggle caregiving with their own work and family responsibilities. Having a reliable, trustworthy in-home care partner can ease that stress and ensure consistent, compassionate care. Seniors Helping Seniors: A Neighborly Approach to Senior Care What sets Seniors Helping Seniors Pittsburgh apart is its community-based model. By employing active seniors to care for other seniors, the organization fosters a deep sense of empathy and mutual understanding. Caregivers arent just service providerstheyre peers who can relate to the experience of aging. Many clients find this not only reassuring, but genuinely uplifting. Founded on the belief that seniors can help each other age gracefully and joyfully, the organization provides flexible, affordable homecare services throughout the Pittsburgh area, including non-medical support, companionship care, light housekeeping, transportation, and respite care for family members. And because all caregivers are carefully vetted and trained, families can feel confident their loved ones are in good hands. A Growing Demand for In-Home Senior Care in Pittsburgh As Pittsburghs population ages, demand for reliable senior homecare services continues to grow. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2030, more than 1 in 5 Americans will be over 65. For many, the goal is clear: stay at home, stay safe, and stay connected. Affordable homecare for seniors is no longer a luxuryits a critical component of healthy aging. And thanks to organizations like Seniors Helping Seniors Pittsburgh, more families than ever can make that vision a reality. Final Thoughts: Supporting Independence, One Home at a Time Aging in place is about more than avoiding a moveit's about preserving quality of life. It's about honoring a lifetime of independence while recognizing the very real need for help. With thoughtful, respectful in-home care, seniors can continue to live on their own terms, surrounded by their memories, their community, and the comforts of home. For family caregivers, the peace of mind that comes from partnering with a trusted provider like Seniors Helping Seniors is immeasurable. If you're caring for an aging loved oneor planning your own path forwardconsider how homecare might be the key to aging in place with dignity, support, and joy.