Hygiene tips for people with dementia

Hygiene tips for people with dementia

Maintaining proper hygiene may be quite challenging for people with dementia, especially those receiving in-home care.

For example, they may feel afraid entering the bathroom for fear of hurting themselves from a fall or a slip. Sometimes, claustrophobia may also act up during bath time, or they may either feel unsecure being left alone or embarrassed by having someone see them naked doing a private business.

Whatever the reasons are, it is the task of the primary caregiver to ensure that seniors with dementia receive the proper care and attention when it comes to maintaining proper hygiene. It is your sole responsibility, then, to make them feel secure and cared for, which is why being sensitive and respectful of their situation should come in first and foremost.

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There are a variety of causes of hygiene issues for people with dementia. Here are some tips to consider when helping seniors with dementia, especially those getting in-home dementia care, keep themselves clean at all times:

Create a sense of privacy

This is where most caregiver’s patience and knack for giving proper reassurance is often tested.

If privacy issues are getting in the way of keeping seniors with dementia clean, you may try closing the blinds, curtains, or doors to help establish a sense of privacy. Reassure them that you are there only to help them bathe and nothing else.

If they have a hard time recognizing their own image, cover the mirror and make sure that any unfamiliar sight won’t bother them.

Make them feel comfortable

Sometimes, they may feel disoriented because the bathroom is too small or too cluttered. They may also feel either a little hot or cold, which is also making them feel uncomfortable.

Before these things happen, make sure that you are able to make a conducive environment to get the job done. If you need to play soft, mellow music inside the bathroom, do so. Find the particular time of the day when they are relaxed and would agree to wash their own bodies.

Make everything simple

If you happen to care for someone who can do the washing all by themselves (but still need assistance every now and then), make sure to give very simple instructions so as they won’t be confused and agitated.

Try to also give them options by asking whether they want to have a bath or a shower. Get them involved while also reassuring them that they are doing good and everything is fine.

Let them enjoy a sense of independence

Seniors with dementia also enjoy being allowed to do things on their own. Give them choices, whether they want to brush their teeth on their own or need your help in doing such, for example. Always stay on the positive side of things and do not be annoyed by everything that doesn’t go according to plan.