ASOCIACION DE ALZHEIMER DE PUERTO RICO
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Edif. Santurce Medical Mall E-Mail: alzheimerpr@alzheimerpr.org |
Alzheimer's Disease |
PERSONAL HYGIENE
Maintaining the Alzheimer patient clean and well fed, can be difficult for the caregiver. A depressed person can loose the desire to bathe, others can feel ashamed of their bodies in front of a mirror, or be scared when they hear the water run.
For the person with Alzheimer's disease it is easy to feel confused and overwhelmed by simple daily routines such as personal hygiene and nutrition. If the person appears to be afraid, anxious or resists taking a bath, try to find out the motives by asking the following:
Physical/Psychological Factors.
The person could be depressed.
Maybe there is a physical illness or an infection.
The person may be very sensitive to water or the changes in temperature.
Environmental Factors.
The fact that someone else is in the bathroom could bother the patient.
Maybe the person is not capable of finding the bathroom and seeing clearly once they get inside.
Maybe the temperature of the water is too cold or hot.
The water pressure could be too strong.
The bathtub could appear too deep.
Specific Concerns.
The person could be afraid of falling, of hearing the water run, or of the soap.
The person could be confused about tasks such as opening the water faucets or filling the bathtub.
Once you have determined the causes, you will be in a better position to bathe the patient.
STEPS TO FOLLOW
Have reasonable expectations.
Remember that the frequency of washing and bathing is a personal preference. Some people do not feel the need to take a shower, bath or wash their hair every day. In this case, you could change from a sponge bath to a more complete bath or shower on alternate days.
Adapt to the necessities, routines and preferences of the patient.
If the person is used to taking a bath in the morning or at night, try to maintain that routine. Changing from day to night could confuse the person. Also, remember that he could refuse to take a bath with a caregiver of the opposite sex.
Prepare the bathroom with anticipation.
Have the towels, soap and shampoo ready.
Fill the bathtub and test the water temperature.
Have on hand a towel in the form of a glove so that the person can wash themselves.
Maintain the bath warm and comfortable.
Gently prepare the patient to bathe.
Guide the patient when bathing. Use sentences such as: "Your bath is ready". That way the person can focus on each step, instead of if he wants or needs to bathe. If the individual continues to resist the idea of bathing, distract him for a few moments and try again right away.
Security in the Bathroom.
Always check the temperature of the water. Remember that maybe the person is not capable of differentiating the temperature.
Avoid using bubble baths or oils during the bath, since they can make the bathtub slippery.
Remember that the shower head and hose are frequently more dangerous than the bathtub and can cause fear in persons with Alzheimer's disease. If you use the shower hose, install sustaining bars for the patient.
Never leave the patient alone in the bathroom.
Use only 2 or 3 inches of water in the bathtub and assure that there is a mat at the bottom of the bathtub to prevent slipping. Make sure that the bathroom floor is free of puddles or stagnant water.
Be careful in personal hygiene.
Gently guide the person during each step of the bath, reminding them of the areas they need to bathe. Remember that you may need to complete part of the bath or help them bathe.
Plan a routine, such as washing their hair in the morning when they are well rested. Try to make the individual participate as much as possible.
Avoid using unpleasant deodorant soaps, unless there is a serious problem of incontinence. In that case, there are special soaps.
Assure that the person washes the genital areas, especially if incontinence is a problem. Also, assure that the person washes their underarms and all parts of their body.
After completing the bath, assure that the person is completely dry.
Observe if there are any red areas over the skin, such as rashes or soars. If the problem is serious, consult a physician. Remember that soars and ulcers on the skin can develop rapidly in people who sit or lie down for any length of time.
Use talcum powder or baby powder on their chest. Use lotion on the parts that bend, in order to maintain them smooth and flexible. If the person resists deodorants, try to use baking soda.
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