Hi! My 96-year-old gramma was recently diagnosed with moderate to severe dementia. My 76-year-old mom has been providing some care for her when my uncle (who lives with Gramma) is at work. But the arrangement is proving to be too much for my mom and basically ineffective in terms of providing a good environment for her. Recently, after Gramma took a nasty fall, I had gone to the house to get some fresh clothing and once there discovered that it was absolutely filthy. We solved the problem by bringing in a cleaning team who I worked with for a full 9-hours to bring the house into order and clear away the grime. But my mom and uncle are both too wishy-washy to ensure Gramma bathes, and neither has the patience to deal with her complaints or uncooperative behavior. We decided to look for in-home support for at least 3 half-days per week. Interviewing caregivers tomorrow. So my first question is related to the fact that I don't think my mom or uncle has tried to discuss her condition with her. I don't know that she'd be able to fully comprehend the diagnosis, nor would she likely agree with it, but how can you explain to someone that his or her mind isn't working as well as it used to? Secondly, the caregiver is really non-negotiable, but how can we make it palatable for her? Particularly worried because part of that person's responsibility will be to ensure she bathes, which might be quite a battle.
After the bird bath, at some point, the aide can suggest a shower. The aide should be reassuring and positive and tempt your grandma by telling her how good a nice, hot, sudsy shower is going to feel. The shower shouldn't be an "event", just a basic hygiene practice that we all do. The aide should assemble everything she's going to need ahead of time: 2 towels (1 for covering your grandma and 1 for drying), soap, lotion (always a nice touch after a shower), comb, toothbrush...anything the aide might need so she doesn't have to leave your grandma alone. Is there a shower chair in the tub? Safety rails? These are important.
After all of this if your grandma still refuses a shower don't force her. Your grandma has her relationships with her family but the aide should be an advocate for your grandma and not hop on the bandwagon with the rest of the family. But the topic of a shower should still be discussed regularly. I'm sure the aide has had other clients who refuse showers.
Regarding telling your grandma she has dementia, it depends. Does your grandma wonder why she can't remember anything? Does she anguish as a result? If her memory is a big problem for her I would suggest telling her she has dementia. She deserves the respect and dignity that being a part of her own care can give her. However, if telling her will send her into a tailspin then put it off or just don't tell her. But I think people deserve to know about their own health.
Caregiver? Don't tell her that person is there to care for her. Instead tell her this person is there to help you.
I do have a very serious problem that I need to get some feedback on. Will post about it, and I invite you to share the benefit of your wisdom. Regarding elder abuse.