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Bath Time

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Alzheimer's Disease
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Posted 3/25/2005 4:57 AM (GMT 0)
I recently read an article about bath time for the AD patient. There were a couple good hints in the article I would like to share . . . if you have any others, please post.

If your loved one feels like someone is watching . . . cover reflective surfaces such as mirrors and chrome . . . the dimentia patient does not always recognize self in a reflection, but instead views the reflection as a stranger or just extra movement in the room.

If you are giving tub baths, use a colored bath salt in the water (such as blue). Depth perception is often affected and the color helps the patient percieve the depth of the water, eliminating some of the fear.

If you have a hard time giving a bath . . . try top half today and bottom half tomorrow. . . eliminating the need to totally expose the patient.

Blessings!
Posted 3/25/2005 5:47 PM (GMT 0)
...Always Rosie..........These are some really good tips for bathing. I think that our Moms a Dads have a real hard time with the full exposure ,I know my mom gets embarressed and I do cove rmirrors and try to help limit her anxiety as much as possible .Not too long ago I had to shave her pubic area as she was going for a procedure that had to have area shaved.Now even though I was use to doing this with patients ,it was a different scenario for me and I know it bothered Mom .What I did in that instance was have her talk about all kinds of things and keep her mind off what was going on (and mine).We ended up laughing as I was trying to joke as well...........am sure that this helped her as well as me because you dont realise just what you may have to do for your loved ones.............................Another thing that I have found with mom is that her balance is off and she is afraid of falling so my hubby put bath bars in her tub for her to grasp and feel more secure...............It has become a special time now for me and Mom when we have "bath" time as we are able to talk openly during this time and this is special for me as well as her .............Thanks for the topic it is a good one and hope others have some ideas as well........Take Care and God Bless
Posted 3/26/2005 2:19 AM (GMT 0)
Oh . .. bath bars are a good idea . . . duh . . . never thought of it. We'll look into that . . . good for Mom and Dad. Thanks. . . and the talking does help too. I haven't had to help dad with personal stuff yet . . . mom is doing well with that. but I do try to give her some tips.

Blessings
Posted 3/26/2005 3:03 AM (GMT 0)
You can get them at home depot or a good pharmacy that has other supplies to help with the elderly and they are easy to install and cheap................Mom really does feel better being able to grab those bars and they are good to have them be able to lwer themselves into tub with help on the other side.If your Dad likes showeres they also have real cheap but sturdy chairs that will fit in tub so that he can sit if gets tired ...........be well and Huggs to your Dad............God Bless
Posted 7/8/2005 6:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, I am a newbie. Just moved the parents to my hometown to a retirement community. Mom is on the dementia adventure. The issue we have run into is washing her hair. We finally got her to take a shower, but is refusing the hair. She used to go once a week to a hair dresser and there is one available at the new community. Any tips out there?
Posted 7/9/2005 12:33 AM (GMT 0)
We put up grab bars long before we really needed then.We do need them now & are a godsend.Also got a showerchair with a back on it.Glad I have all the little helpers.
Posted 7/9/2005 8:06 PM (GMT 0)
Oh . . . thanks Snowy!! I'll mention that to mom. She is installing a railing on the steps that lead into the garage too, so it would be a good idea to install the rail in show at the same time. Great idea, thanks!

How have you been doing Snowy? Haven't seen you in while.

Blessings!
Posted 7/10/2005 7:17 PM (GMT 0)
I been here & there,& everywhere.I'm on many AD boards.Also am on a disability chat on MSN.I keep my mind very busy,can't afford not to.
Posted 7/10/2005 8:28 PM (GMT 0)
You go girl!! You really do stay busy, don't you. Nice to hear from you again!

Blessings!
Posted 7/10/2005 8:43 PM (GMT 0)
As for bath time,If it's cold I don't take my clothes off period.I sleep in what I have on when it's cold.I do bathe several times a week,gotta keep the stench down,lol.
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