As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we've learned bathing and dressing can become significant challenges. These activities are often early signs of transitioning from the initial phase of the caregiving journey where we’re simply prompting and helping them, to what we call the "messy middle”, when we begin asserting more control. We are Nancy Treaster and Sue Ryan. Through our experiences, what we've learned from support groups, and others on their journeys, we've developed four important tips to help you navigate bathing and dressing for your care receiver.

Takeaways

Here are four tips to help you navigate this phase:

Tip 1: Simplify Instructions

As the journey progresses, your care receiver may begin struggling with multi-step instructions.

Start giving one instruction at a time.

Break down their tasks into smaller steps.

Consider adaptive clothing options.

Tip 2: Gradually Insert Yourself into the Process

As their challenges increase, it’s time to become more involved in their bathing and dressing process.

From early in their journey, if you haven’t already learned their natural bathing and dressing routines, observe and note them. 

Prompt or assist them in their routine order.

Set up the bathroom to make it as easy for them as possible to bathe (if you normally keep everything put away, put the items out where they can see everything they’ll need), 

Put their clothing out. (Tip: When I began putting my husband’s clothing out, I began putting my clothing out as well, explaining to him I had heard this was a great tip to simplify dressing, and wanted to try it myself.) This helps maintain their dignity. 

Prepare everything needed for their bathing and dressing in advance.

Consider marking the preferred shower temperature on the faucet.

Tip 3: Transition to Sponge Baths

At some point, traditional showers or baths may become too challenging or stressful.

Use non-rinse bathing wipes for body cleansing.

Try non-rinse shampoo caps for hair washing.

For facial cleansing, consider products like Burt's Bees Micellar Water.

Maintain a regular schedule of cleaning, even if it's not a full bath every day.

Tip 4: Assist with the Dressing Process

As with bathing, dressing will require more assistance over time.

- Transition to adaptive clothing when appropriate, especially if incontinence becomes an issue.

- Ensure safety during the dressing process (e.g., have them seated when putting on socks).

- Be attentive to their comfort, including temperature preferences.

- Encourage participation in the process as much as possible.

Read More in This Blog here

Additional Resources Mentioned

• Episode 11 - Cleaning Your Care Receiver here

These resources contain affiliate links so we may receive a small commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

• Adaptive clothing
• Shorts snap up here
• Pants snap up here
• Very nice adaptive clothing here 
• Disposable incontinence underwear
• For women here
• For men here
• Adult washcloths/wipes here
• No-rinse bathing wipes here
• No-rinse shampoo caps here

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