Caregiving for a person with Alzheimer’s disease includes bathing, which can be difficult for caregivers who are new to this area. The level of involvement you will have in your loved one’s bath routine will depend on the severity of their condition. Don’t stress out. The best thing you can do is be calm and follow some of the tips below.

Safety plus dignity equals success

The Alzheimer’s Association highlights at least two broad areas to consider when helping a person with Alzheimer’s bathe: 1) Keep the bathroom area safe and less overwhelming by keeping dangerous objects out of reach and using appropriate adaptive equipment. 2) Maintain the person’s privacy and dignity and allow them to feel in control as much as possible.

Grab bars provide safety and independence

Dependa Bar Grab Bar

One way suggested to keep the bathroom safe is to install grab bars in the tub or shower. Our Dependa Bar Grab Bar mounts securely to the studs of your bathroom wall. It pivots and locks at five different locations, allowing you to swing it away while helping your loved one bathe. When the bath is over, you can easily swing and lock the rail close to your loved one so they can help support themselves and feel more secure. This may help especially if your loved one is sensitive to being held by others to maintain balance.

A shower chair keeps your loved one comfortable

Padded Shower Chair with Armrests and Back

The Padded Shower Chair with Armrests and Back is another helpful tool for keeping safe or for simply making things easier and more comfortable. Suction tips on the legs keep the shower chair from sliding.

Bed bathing can be a good plan B

The Alzheimer’s Association also suggests bed baths in between regular baths. While a full shower or bath every day may be ideal, those experienced in caregiving know this is just not always possible. Whether your loved one needs to hurry to get to an appointment or they are just not up to taking a full shower, it doesn’t mean you can’t help them maintain hygiene.

No Rinse Body Bath

Get a bottle of our No Rinse Body Bath, a body wash formula that is simply applied to the skin and dried. No rinse necessary! It’s a fast and easy solution if you find yourself in a tight spot. You save money when you also buy the No Rinse Body Bath Gallon, which you can use to refill your 8 ounce bottle.

Gallon of No Rinse Body Bath

Remember, keep calm and maintain safety and dignity. These products will put you in control. Follow these tips and those suggested by healthcare professionals for a healthy bathing experience for your loved one.