How do I get my 92-year-old father to bath more than once a week, his excuse is that he sponge baths nightly?

Welllllllll......... I guess he'll need a good long hot soak once a week, then! That would be a tough battle!

He says he is not afraid of falling, that he sponge baths daily and he only needs the bath once a week. He can stand and shower, but never was used to that in the past, he always soaked in the tub.

I joked with my 90-year-old male client that if you don't keep certain body parts clean, they fall off! But he's only showing the very beginning stages of Dementia - that kind of joking wouldn't work with someone who isn't thinking clearly. We had a good laugh about it. I think one thing that keeps senior men from frequent bathing is the embarassment of being in that situation, needing help. He may be afraid of falling. Maybe you can tell him that you'll heat the towels and make it a special and relaxing event. Is he still able to stand in the shower?