Is it terrible to have your elder parent with dementia help out in the home? Examples- cleaning the tub once he has taken a bath.

Thanks Jeanne. He has been pretty good with chores. I have been supervising him just in case he loses his balance.  Thanks again.

Chores are good for everybody! Even if we grumble we need to feel useful, and like we are contributing. And we need praise for a job well-done.

My concern would be that the chores are kept commensurate with the skills and safety of the chore-doer. I wouldn't have thought that either tub cleaning or mopping would be suitable jobs for an elderly person (with or without dementia). But you know your dad and I don't, so it is for you to judge his balance, etc. If he can safely do these tasks, go for it!

Thank you so much for the encouragement. He (my dad) only has two chores. One he does rarely (mopping) and other he does daily (cleaning the tub). His sisters who are also elderly too believe he should do chores as well just to help out. Thanks so much.

Timahy, if the person with dementia is able to do chores, I think it is great, it keeps the person busy, and gives them something to be proud of when the chore is finished.

Now, a lot depends on the person's physical abilities. Like cleaning out a bathtub is no easy task as any age. Especially if there are glass doors on the tub. A shower curtain is so much easier... take down, toss in the washer/dryer.

You mentioned the person is a "he". Who is telling you this is terrible? Older women who use to do all the chores around the house, where their husband never even had picked up a can of Pledge and a dust rag?