7 Steps to Better Bathing

7 Steps to Better Bathing - Introduction

Top Stressors
•	Fear of water
•	Discomfort from drafts
•	Embarrassment
•	Fear of falling
•	Pain when moving
•	Confusion
7 Steps Can Help
Are Daily Baths Necessary?
Special Note

Q. Are Daily Baths Necessary?

A. Daily Baths or Showers Are Usually NOT Required.

How often people clean their skin and the method they use to do so (e.g., baths, showers, sponge baths, or no-rinse towelettes) truly depends upon the individual. In fact, many experts agree that most people do not need a daily bath or shower. Some recommend showering every other day to once a week, while others advise only sponge or bed baths as needed for those easily agitated by showers.

For many individuals, cleaning the face, hands, armpits, and the groin area (especially if the person is incontinent) on a regular basis is what's really necessary. Cleaning the feet is also important, especially in warm weather, to avoid fungal problems and odor. Footbaths or warm washcloths or towelettes can accomplish the job nicely.

Special Note

In this section, we're not showing the shower curtain, important to reduce spilling water on the floor, and at times, the tub wall, to provide you a better view.

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7 Steps to Better Bathing - Introduction

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Narration:

Bathing a person with Alzheimer's or other types of dementia can be a highly stressful activity for the caregiver. It can also be an emotionally demanding experience for the person with Alzheimer's or other types of dementia, who may be especially stressed by fear of running water, discomfort from cold drafty rooms, embarrassment at being seen naked, fear of falling – especially when moving in or out of the tub, or confusion due to memory problems. The person may think he or she has already bathed – or may be simply overwhelmed by the bathing process itself, no longer understanding how or what to do.

But the good news is that stress from bathing can be reduced. In this section, we share seven key steps that should reduce or eliminate the top stressors. Our goal is to help both you and the person for whom you care have a more pleasant bathing experience.