Mom is refusing to let the nursing home staff bathe her. Tips?

My wife is reluctant to take a shower.. I find that promising to shave her armpits helps, and I always, always tell her how good she looks afterwards, how gorgeous her hair is looking... Of course she forgets by the time it's time for the next one, but sometimes a little trigger helps.. E.g. Let's get your hair looking good again.. Think how good you will feel afterwards.. Let's get you nice and clean then you can try that new blouse/dress/bra on..

Tell her that she has a date. That she needs to bath and do her hair. Take the time once a week to do her nails and feet along with her hair. If she wore make up do this to. Make it a special day. This will give you time to check her skin conditions, in case she might have torn skin or sores. This will give you a special memory when she passes away.

Thanks pamstegman!

First, get written orders from her MD that she is to be bathed at least weekly. Second, have him write an order for calming meds one hour before the bath or shower.
Third, you don't need to be there. Patients are actually more cooperative with the RN's than they are with relatives.