His condition was diagnosed 2 years ago and he has been steadily withdrawing ever since. He sleeps or sits 24 hours a day. He still feeds himself. He has urinary retention issues but good bowel control as of now. I am worried about UTI because he is not changing his clothes for days....last shower was 5 days ago. We do not have any in home care at this point as he politely asks them to leave after I depart to run errands.
Seniors don’t need to bathe/shower every day, but 5 days is too long. My husband’s step-grandmother used to promise his grandpa (with dementia) that they would go to his favorite restaurant if he showered.
But do do at least phone his doctor. There may be meds he can take that wouldhelp him reconnect.
Is he afraid of falling? -Request a personal aide to help during bath time and get grab bars, etc installed.
Does he forget when he showered last? Keep a calendar and have him mark it.
Does he not not realize he’s dirty? Sense of smell tends to decline... Let him know he has to get cleaned up before going out for an event or dinner, something he’d enjoy.
Maybe call it something other than shower? Make the room warm, candles (fake) and scents... ok, maybe not for a guy, but you get the idea.
My husband has the same problem and we are starting with a personal aide tomorrow. (He was afraid of falling.) Wish us luck!
we are meeting with a personal care aide this week. I can’t handle the shower war every week!