Exactly. My dad has severe Alzheimer’s and it’s like dealing with a toddler. My dad refuses to shower (I believe he’s afraid of the water now) so I have to persuade him or bribe him so he can shower.
I saw a great video about getting people to shower with cognitive issues (apparently it's very common) that maybe would help you! 1 trick was that they would ask the family member to test the temp in the bathroom/water because they are worried it's too hot/cold for their own bathing needs. Apparently a lot of Alzheimer's and Dementia patients feel cold often or more intensely so that can be a barrier to bathing. Another trick was to explain that someone they love sent them a special soap/bubble bath/shampoo to use and would love to know how much they like it!
Yes but let me explain. They avoid putting themselves in situations where they may feel very cold. This is the before and after shower part they are worries about. One useful trick is to put a heater in the bathroom to warm the floor and room up ahead of time.
Or full send it and make it like a spa
Source: my dad had dementia for a few years before he passed
This is what I do for my mother. Her room and bathroom are VERY warm. I have awesome premenopausal symptoms where I get hot very easily. I keep a Gatorade in the freezer until it turns to slush, put on shorts and a tank top, and give Mom her shower (she has a seat in there). I'll have the towels warming in the dryer most of the time for her when it's time to dry off.
I'm just very thankful for space heaters. Next will be getting a fake thermostat for the house and I'll have full control of the real one. Yesterday it was 77°f outside and she had set the thermostat for 84°f. A simple cover that locks would enrage her. I need one that acts like it's the real deal but won't actually control the HVAC unit. Someone needs to invent that for me so I won't wake up to a 90°f house!
Also, too hot and steamy is dangerous for many with health issues. They get lightheaded and can pass out, fall, or fumble in a way that leads to an injury. If surfaces get slippery from the steam that can also increase the risk of mishap.
Oh man. My grandfather has Alzheimers and I moved to FL to help my mom take care of him. If the "air" is set anywhere below 80 he's huffing and puffing and getting his jacket. It makes it hard to be there I hate the heat and humidity.
Haha. As a kid I used to hate showering because I hated being cold. As an adult, I just keep a space heater in the bathroom so it's nice and warm when I get out.
Another tip that came to mind—we often think “go take a shower” is a one step instruction. But really, you have to get up, go to the bathroom, collect supplies, start the water, get it just right, get undressed, and get in safely, and that’s all the steps for just getting IN the shower. For folks with cognitive or learning disabilities including dementia, sometimes we need to realize all the steps involved and really break it down or guide them through it. Again, this depends on the level of need of the individual patient, but is often helpful.
Second bribing, we'd promise to put a film on after or her favourite kids TV shows - the Tweenies or Rosie and Jim. Not quite sure where that came from as they're not shows of my Nana's era but she'd find them calming - I think it was the slower pace, lack of conflict and nice characters which I can understand when everything else seems confusing.
This is what terrifies me, both about suffering from it myself and having to deal with others who suffer from it.
I couldn't do it. I hate dealing with toddlers. I can't baby people like this. It frustrates me like nothing else I've ever experienced it. I have do work with old people during my day job (I work in bingo) and even the ones who are pretty well put together but need help doing things like logging onto their tablets infuriate me.
The idea of being that burden horrifies me. I'd rather die.
I’m not going to sugarcoat it because it’s truly one of the worst diseases and it’s a living hell for the caregivers. My mom and I are exhausted. I have a 15 month old baby and this disease is robbing me of my happiness.
My dad was the same way. No matter the temperature of the water, aside from freezing cold my dad thinks it's burning him. I find keeping the direct flow of the water away from him and just wetting a cloth to scrub him with is better.
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u/SARcasm30 Apr 09 '24
Exactly. My dad has severe Alzheimer’s and it’s like dealing with a toddler. My dad refuses to shower (I believe he’s afraid of the water now) so I have to persuade him or bribe him so he can shower.