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VickieByrd23 Asked April 2019

How to "bribe" parent into bathing & washing hair?

My mom is 82 and in assisted living with dementia and early stages of alzheimers. She is completely opposite now then what she was when it comes to bathing & washing her hair. She will even go for days wearing the same clothes and it doesn't bother her at all. The aides at AL always ask her if she wants to shower and she tells them she'll do it later. She has her own private room & bath which makes it even more frustrating. I've tried (at least I think) all of the reasons why - odor, sores, cleanliness and she doesn't seem fazed by any of it. Any suggestions would be great.

VickieByrd23 Apr 2019
Yes, I have talked with them about it. I even told them to tell her if she wanted to go to dinner with some family friends who were visiting her, she had to shower & wash her hair first. Its worked a couple of times. Thanks.

freqflyer Apr 2019
Vickie, I believe this is common as we age. I know for myself, as I am now long in the tooth, that taking a shower and washing my hair feels like I spent hours at the gym. It is just so darn tiring. I just spray myself down with Lysol before going to work [just kidding].

My Dad's was very shy about letting a caregiver give him a shower. After saying no enough times, the caregiver put her hands on her hips and said "Mr. Bob, I raised a household of boys, there isn't anything I hadn't seen". That got my Dad laughing and it was smooth sailing after that.

Your Mom is of that era when rose scented powder was the norm. Smelled wonderful. If that is something she might enjoy it would be worth looking for such a product. Maybe the Vermont Country Store may sell it. Have the Aide reward Mom with some of the powder after a shower, and have the Staff comment on how great she smells :)
VickieByrd23 Apr 2019
That's a great idea. I just got her some really nice smelling shampoo & conditioner. I'll have them give it a try.

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cwillie Apr 2019
This is a relatively common problem with dementia, if the facility can't/won't handle it then it may no longer be an appropriate place for her, especially considering that her needs will continue to increase.

BarbBrooklyn Apr 2019
The aides shouldn't ask IF she'd like to shower.

Ideally there should be a schedule ( say, Mondays and Fridays at 8 am). The aide should arrive and say " it's time for your shower!".

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