My Mom has Alzheimer’s (stage 5/6) and is in assisted living. She refuses to let anyone bathe her and won’t do it on her own. They tell me it is illegal for them to try to bathe her if she says “no”. I don’t think she’s showered in almost a year! What can I do?
Your mother may be progressed too far now into dementia to remain in ALF. This is for more able people. She may require memory care or nursing home care at this point.
IF your mother is well enough to understand you taking her for a sit down talk with administration about cleanliness and hygiene requirements then she is able to understand your telling her that a failure to follow basic good hygiene habits will result in memory care or nursing home where she will be showered by caregivers.
If she can grasp what yu are telling her there's a chance here, but if she's incapable of understanding this, then she is likely needing a transfer to more safe care for her condition.
I am so sorry, and wish you the best.
Most CNAs who are skilled and loving will know how to give a good sponge bath.
I think your best bet here is to follow Alva's good advice in the comments. If your mother can still have a conversation have a sit down with her and the administration of the place and tell her that there are rules on hygiene that all the residents must abide by. If she refuses she will be kicked out and put into a nursing home or memory care facility. If she's beyond this kind of talk, she should be in memory care.
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