Bathing Older Adults

A seniors refusal to shower or bathe is a common struggle between a caregiver and an elder. Experienced caregivers share their best tips and suggestions for persuading an aging loved one to take a shower or bath.

My husband with Alzheimer's hasn't showered in six weeks. The excuses for his refusal to bathe have become legendary. I hired a home health care worker to help with hygiene- here's how it went.

A common concern among family caregivers is an aging parent's decline in personal hygiene or outright refusal to bathe. Bathing someone with Alzheimer's disease may be more complicated due to confusion and fear.

There are many reasons why a senior’s bathing habits and personal hygiene may decline as they age. Be proactive about finding the root of poor hygiene and remember that compromise is key to the solution.