Watch Teepa Snow videos!! She's awesome...teaches techniques on how to interact alz/dem. I have both parents at the same time developing dementia and watching these videos is helping me tremendously and to prepare....as well as being here everyday...wonderful support and caring people!! I agree with Bob, fourth is absolutely not necessary or acceptable, that only makes the person more agitated or upset.
I don't know for sure but when we transitioned my Mom to the nursing home there were rules and guidelines that had to be read and signed. To be honest I don't recall there being anything about bathing per se. There were notes about services offered and one of them obviously was assistance with bathing. I don't think they can force bathe anyone or force feed anyone.
My Mom became really recalcitrant about bathing. They would ask nicely and if she refused they would just leave and try again the next day.
Skilled, experienced personal care assistants don't usually need recourse to law to get their charges bathed if necessary, and kept clean in any case. They use a variety of approaches and techniques that gently but firmly lead the person to accept the care.
I don't think force is the answer, but at some point for the health of the individual they will have to be kept clean. It is very common for a patient with dementia to refuse personal hygiene, but it can lead to a host of other issues. I think it is very important that you work with the facility on this issue. Perhaps making arrangements to be present if need be if the patient still recognizes you and finds comfort in your presence. Try to remember how upset you feel if you were caring for your parent at home and they needed a bath and refused. It's a hard place to be, I hope you can find a solution.
In Florida compelling a resident to bath has no legal base according to the state legal department. Resident dignity is at the heart of opposing imposition of bathing requirements. Facilities and families have lots of options for getting a resident to choose to do what they initially might object to. Listening, observing, patience and creativity can do most anything
Daily bathing is not necessary for most seniors to keep healthy. Most of us here in senior living are on a weekly schedule.
Most prefer showers as getting in and out of a tub is scary - too possible to fall. Is this the cause of the reluctance? Has the aide been too rushed or rough? The water too hot or too cold (what feels ok on my hands and front is very hot on my back!)
On bath day the question is not yes or no, but now or in a few minutes. An offer to wash the back and feet in a shower with the hose on the shower head may make the invitation more acceptable then an order to take a bath now. During his early or middle dementia a comment about a beginning odor sometimes encouraged my husband to take a shower.
Is there a walk in tub or spa available where one could soak a while? Is this closer to what she has preferred in the past? Does she like a certain kind of soap or shampoo? Are the towels soft or rough? What would make the whole process more desirable for your Mother? Can you eliminate whatever is causing her reluctance?
I agree with Bob, fourth is absolutely not necessary or acceptable, that only makes the person more agitated or upset.
My Mom became really recalcitrant about bathing. They would ask nicely and if she refused they would just leave and try again the next day.
What exactly has been the problem here?
I believe that is unwise when it comes to bathing, but that is the law as I understand it..
Grace + Peace,
Bob
I think it is very important that you work with the facility on this issue. Perhaps making arrangements to be present if need be if the patient still recognizes you and finds comfort in your presence. Try to remember how upset you feel if you were caring for your parent at home and they needed a bath and refused. It's a hard place to be, I hope you can find a solution.
Most prefer showers as getting in and out of a tub is scary - too possible to fall. Is this the cause of the reluctance? Has the aide been too rushed or rough? The water too hot or too cold (what feels ok on my hands and front is very hot on my back!)
On bath day the question is not yes or no, but now or in a few minutes. An offer to wash the back and feet in a shower with the hose on the shower head may make the invitation more acceptable then an order to take a bath now. During his early or middle dementia a comment about a beginning odor sometimes encouraged my husband to take a shower.
Is there a walk in tub or spa available where one could soak a while? Is this closer to what she has preferred in the past? Does she like a certain kind of soap or shampoo? Are the towels soft or rough? What would make the whole process more desirable for your Mother? Can you eliminate whatever is causing her reluctance?
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