Step 6. Wash the Person 1 of 2

Step 6. Wash the Person 1 of 2

Start with a Non-Threatening Body Area
Then, Wash Private Areas
If They Can Stand
•	Say "You need to wash your private areas now."
•	Say "Hold the grab bar while you stand."
•	Point or tap to where you want the person to hold.
•	Guide the person's hand, if needed.
•	Have the person wash or you wash gently.
•	Say "I need to wash your private areas now."
•	Praise as you go.
Tip Washing Private Areas
Help in Early Stages
Their Story

Their Story

"Showering tends to overload my brain... the onslaught of the water on my body... and the noise." I've discovered I can sit on a shower chair... in the tub... out of range of the water... and slowly put each body part under the spray. I also wear earplugs during the shower. I have removed all the various containers of soaps, body washes, shampoos and conditioners, which just got me confused. I now have one container sitting on the bathtub edge... and I use it to shampoo with as well as wash my body."

- Mary, former school teacher who now has dementia

Help in Early Stages

Many people in the earlier stages need only limited supervision with certain bathing tasks. For example, you may need to remind them to wash off all the soap or wash a specific part of their body.

If the person prefers to be alone while showering, but needs reminders, some caregivers say, "Do you mind if I wash the sink while you're showering?" so they can be in the bathroom at the same time and supervise discreetly.

In the middle and late stages, however, you'll need to be present to offer assistance.

Tip Washing Private Areas

While you're washing the person's lower back and you know the person has become used to your touch, say, "I'll wash your private areas now, OK?" If the person is likely to say "No," just simply state, "I need to wash your private areas now."

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Step 6. Wash the Person

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Narration:

If the person needs helps with washing and is resistant, try asking, "Can I wash your back?" or just say, "I'm going to wash your back now." This is usually a safe place to begin. Be gentle when washing if the person has delicate skin – scrubbing a person with vigor can cause discomfort and trigger agitation.

It's important that a person's private areas are washed – not only for overall hygiene, but also to reduce risk of infection, especially urinary tract infections in women. If the person can no longer wash him/herself, you or someone else will need to help. It's not an easy caregiving task, but you can read our suggestions for ways to make it easier.

If the person can stand, then say, "Put your hand on the grab bar while you stand." Point or tap to where you want the person to hold. Because of visual disturbances experienced in some forms of dementia, you may need to guide the person's hand to the grab bar. Again, wash gently – many older adults have delicate skin, especially in these sensitive areas.

Praise as you go. Saying something like, "You're doing a great job!" gives the person a sense of accomplishment.