| Step 7. Groom After the Bath | |
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| Wrap with towel or robe |
| Being cold is a main trigger for agitation, so you'll want to get the person warm and dry as soon as possible – a terrycloth robe is ideal – or use a large plush towel. |
| Use absorbent mat on floor |
To reduce the risk of slipping on a wet bathroom floor, you'll need a bathmat that absorbs water from wet feet or splashes during the shower. As tile or vinyl floors can be cold and unpleasant to stand on, a bath mat also increases a person comfort level.
For outside the tub, use a mat with a nonslip latex backing to prevent the mat from slipping when stepped on. Cotton mats without backing should not be used as they can easily slide when walked on, causing a fall.
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| Seat person on toilet lid or chair |
| After the person gets out of the tub, try to have him/her sit down. If you are using the toilet lid, make sure it is sturdy and does not flex under weight, which can be unsettling to anyone, but especially to someone with dementia. A cotton terry cloth cover or a plush towel on the lid will offer more comfort than a hard lid. A toilet seat frame with side arms makes sitting down and getting up safer and easier. |
| Gently pat skin dry |
| Don't rub if the person has delicate skin – rubbing a person with vigor can cause discomfort and trigger agitation.When drying the person, gently pat – don't rub. |
| Do a skin check |
| Do a skin check – look for any red areas or unusual marks; if you notice a change in the person's skin, contact his or her doctor. |
| Apply lotions |
Use a mild lotion to moisturize the person's skin. Try putting a few drops of an essential oil such as lemon balm or lavender into a non-scented lotion. Several studies have shown a decrease in agitation and an increase in well-being after facial or hand massages with essential oils.
If the person becomes upset when room-temperature lotion is applied, warm the bottle of lotion first in a bowl of warm water. |
| Have clothes ready |
| Dress the person with the clothes you have ready. Loose, comfortable clothing, including pull-up pants with an elastic waist, will be easier to put on. |
| Use quiet hair dryer |
| If you need to use a hair dryer, make sure it has a quiet motor, as people with dementia can be hypersensitive to sound. |
| Congratulate the person |
When you're finished, praise the person. People with dementia still have many of the same needs as we do, including the need to contribute and to feel valued. Saying something like, "You've done a great job!" can give the person a real sense of pride and accomplishment.
Being a caregiver is not easy, but it does have many rewarding moments, including helping the person to have a better bathing experience!
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