For an elder who has Alzheimer's Disease or dementia, bathing and getting dressed presents a series of challenges.
Bathing
While some elderly people with Alzheimer's Disease or dementia don't mind bathing, for others it is a frightening, confusing experience. Advance planning can help make bath time better for both of you.
- Plan the bath or shower for the time of day when the person is most calm and agreeable. Be consistent. Try to develop a routine.
- Respect the fact that bathing is scary and uncomfortable for some people with AD. Be gentle and respectful. Be patient and calm.
- Tell your elderly mom or dad what you are going to do, step by step, and allow him or her to do as much as possible.
- Prepare in advance. Make sure you have everything you need ready and in the bathroom before beginning. Draw the bath ahead of time.
- Be sensitive to the temperature. Warm up the room beforehand if necessary and keep extra towels and a robe nearby. Test the water temperature before beginning the bath or shower.
Minimize safety risks by using a handheld showerhead, shower bench, grab bars, and nonskid bath mats. Never leave the person alone in the bath or shower.
- Try a sponge bath. Bathing may not be necessary every day. A sponge bath can be effective between showers or baths.
Dressing
Some of the challenges that a person with Alzheimer's disease has to deal with include: choosing what to wear, getting some clothes off and other clothes on, and struggling with buttons and zippers. Minimizing the challenges may make a difference.
- Try to have your elderly parent get dressed at the same time each day so he or she will come to expect it as part of the daily routine.
- Encourage your aging mom or dad to dress himself or herself to whatever degree possible. Plan to allow extra time so there is no pressure or rush.
- Allow your senior parent to choose from a limited selection of outfits. If he or she has a favorite outfit, consider buying several identical sets.
- Arrange the clothes in the order they are to be put on to help the person move through the process.
- Provide clear, step-by-step instructions if the person needs prompting.
- Choose clothing that is comfortable, easy to get on and off, and easy to care for. Elastic waists and Velcro enclosures minimize struggles with buttons and zippers.
Eating
Eating can be a challenge. Some elderly people with AD want to eat all the time, while others have to be encouraged to maintain a good diet.
- View mealtimes as opportunities for social interaction and success for the person with Alzheimer's Disease or dementia. Try to be patient and avoid rushing, and be sensitive to confusion and anxiety.
- Aim for a quiet, calm, reassuring mealtime atmosphere by limiting noise and other distractions.
- Maintain familiar mealtime routines, but adapt to the person's changing needs.
- Give the person food choices, but limit the number of choices. Try to offer appealing foods that have familiar flavors, varied textures, and different colors.
- Serve small portions or several small meals throughout the day. Make healthy snacks, finger foods, and shakes available. In the earlier stages of dementia, be aware of the possibility of overeating.
- Choose dishes and eating tools that promote independence. If the person has trouble using utensils, use a bowl instead of a plate, or offer utensils with large or built-up handles. Use straws or cups with lids to make drinking easier.
- Encourage the person to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
As the disease progresses, be aware of the increased risk of choking because of chewing and swallowing problems.
- Maintain routine dental checkups and daily oral health care to keep the mouth and teeth healthy.