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How Do You Get Someone To Shower?

A myALZteam Member asked a question đź’­
Bridgton, ME

My husband gets very agitated with me when I suggest taking a shower. He wears depends because he is pretty much incontinent with urinating but not with his bowels. I feel like our house smells of urine all the time.

September 15, 2020
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Answer Summary

Members connected over the deeply frustrating challenge of getting loved ones with dementia to shower, with many sharing that their spouses... Read more

Members connected over the deeply frustrating challenge of getting loved ones with dementia to shower, with many sharing that their spouses who once valued cleanliness now resist bathing, sometimes believing they just showered or becoming fearful of water. Several members offered practical strategies that have worked for them, including using a walk-in tub with a seat, announcing bath time in a firm but gentle tone, changing out clothes after bedtime, keeping showers brief, timing baths around outings as motivation, and using white vinegar and baking soda mixtures to tackle urine odors in the home. A recurring theme was the emotional exhaustion of managing hygiene resistance alongside other dementia behaviors like wearing the same clothes, imagining things, and losing track of time, met with encouragement to be patient, creative, and forgiving of both the person with dementia and oneself.

A myALZteam Member

I found a mixture of white vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and a couple drops of dish soap, put into a spray bottle works wonders killing urine odor. You can find the measurements and instructions on the internet or on Pintrest, under urine odor. It saved our mattress. Good luck, 🙂

September 15, 2020
A myALZteam Member

Here is a video from Teepa Snow.
https://youtu.be/7OLrilAeT1U
She has many videos on a variety of dementia topics but this one might give you some help with showering and bathing.

September 15, 2020
A myALZteam Member

I am finding it difficult to get my husband to shower regularly. He was always a stickler for cleanliness. I did get a walk in bath which makes it easier as he has a place to sit. I now just say “It’s bath time, come on!” He isometimes mumbles and frowns at me, but I just keep urging him to the bath. Once he is bathed I flatter him with how handsome he is. Etc.

September 15, 2020
A myALZteam Member

Same problem. H always was aware of when to shower. Being he worked outside he showered every night. Now, when I mention shower he says he just took one. I keep tract on a calendar but he says I’m lying. Big problem. Then when he does shower he’s in there 30 min. I’ve heard they become afraid of the water. I have to yell in there to remind him to shampoo his hair. Talk about frustrating...

September 15, 2020
A myALZteam Member

This is my husband. He gets up and puts on yesterday's clothes. I am now changing them out after he goes to bed. Things sometimes get overwhelming

September 15, 2020

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