I've read in this forum that dementia victims may develop strong opposition to showering, but is it the splashing shower or water in general that they fear? I'm looking for ideas for daily cleansing for my husband who is 89 and has vascular dementia. He screams, fights, and becomes very nervous in the shower. We use a shower bench and hand-held shower head.
Do you not have any products in the states that can be used? We also find face wipes are good as people with dementia like the feel of them.
Water in general seems to be a problem and fear plus lack of understanding seem to be at the bottom of the behavior. Anything a caregiver can do to calm, soothe, reassure and praise the person is helpful. Asking him or her to help you along by holding something like a washcloth can help. So can telling the person step by step what you are going to do and keeping private areas covered.
Sometimes hiring an outside caregiver from an agency just for a weekly bath can help. It's one area where a professional "stranger" may seem more reassuring than a family member (modesty).
Keep reading - many people have ideas for you here.
Carol
My LO also dislikes brushing her teeth.
Thanks
Bathing is a pervasive issue here, there are hundreds if not thousands of comments regarding how to bathe someone with dementia. I've read about people making sure the house is warm, big soft and fluffy towels, scented soaps, warm sudsy water....trying to make it a positive experience.
In the upper right corner of your screen is a search bar. Type in "bathing" and read other people's experiences in trying to bathe their loved one. Yours is not an uncommon problem.
Good luck!