granny with alzheimer takes a shower

Ever since Alzheimer Granny developed dementia, it has been very difficult for anyone to take her into the shower. Either he just refuses or resists and gets upset.

“What’s up, mom?” Marian asked once, but Alzheimer Granny just looked at her daughter, fearful and agitated.

She shook her head and Marian had no idea if that was just one more refusal or if Alzheimer’s Granny was basically saying, “My God, she beats me, honey.”

If I had to choose one answer, it would go with “OMG”. No one knows for sure why people with dementia resist showering so much, but they do and we can make some useful guesses and some workable plans to keep things clean.

In the meantime, here’s something to think about. I have long observed that it seems to be the water itself that bothers the person. Having seen how sensitive people with dementia are to external stimuli, like the wind on their face or raindrops, I thought maybe it was this same sensitivity at work. Maybe it’s also that, when you have dementia and you’re standing in the shower, you may have forgotten that water is likely to fall on you from above when someone turns on the tap.

Those are logical possibilities, right? Then I was talking to a friend from San Diego who is involved in human biology research and we were talking about the shower thing.

“You know,” I said, “despite all the other logical guesses we can make, I can’t help but think that it’s something about the pounding of water on your head that’s really bothering people. That seems to be what I’m seeing. “

That’s when he told me that recent research has shown that the actual rhythm of the typical shower water disrupts normal brain wave function and seems to directly cause the agitation we see. It is the actual rhythm of the brain waves that is disrupted. The misfires that follow are what create the outward signs of agitation.

So those are the possibilities. In the meantime, without knowing the real answer, there are plenty of things you can do that work.

1. Reduce the number of showers per week. This reduces the chances of discomfort and is more in line with the skin requirements of older people, many of whom already have dry, fragile skin that the lotion doesn’t really restore, although it does help. About 3 showers a week are usually enough.

2. Many people, even with dementia, can properly wash the necessary parts with wipes and advisory supervision. Giving a signal one at a time works fine. Like in:

“Here, Mom, here’s a clean, warm washcloth. Why don’t you wipe between your legs? Now give your butt a good wash. Here, use this clean washcloth for your underarms,” ​​and so on.

That may sound tedious, but all it takes is cloths, clean warm water, and you to talk to the person about the task.

Now, if this person really does have a BIG hygiene problem, and I think you know what I mean, then a half shower is a great solution. Because, although nobody likes to talk about it, the main question: does this person smell like urine or feces?

Note: Make sure you have vinyl or latex gloves (for yourself), a large garbage bag and a large laundry bag, baby wipes, clean underwear (and think Depend style underwear – many types and options at these days and really easy to use and dispose of).

Many hygiene things are much easier if you have all the equipment you need. And be sure to crack jokes. We always do. Like, “Hey, dad, let’s call the HazMat team!” Laughter overcomes a lot of embarrassment.

When it comes to showers, always think hand showers. You can easily add one to your regular shower.

3. Alzheimer’s Granny started loving her shower once Marian used a handheld shower and a comfortable shower chair. Marian tasted the water gently until Alzheimer Granny liked the feel of it in her hand.

“That’s good,” said Alzheimer’s Granny and Marian began using the hand shower, starting at their feet and working their way up. Once Marian got used to Alzheimer Granny knowing exactly what she was doing and what she was going to do, things got much better.

Like in:

“Okay mom, now I’m going to start on your feet. Okay, are you feeling okay? I bet you do. I know you love warm water, but not too hot, eh mom?”

Blah, blah, blah: Smooth, ongoing conversation like this often really puts the person you’re working with at ease. Once the shower is over, wrap him in a nice soft towel and let him dry as much as possible. People are really comfortable with this and feel in charge. What calms them more.

Note: If you can’t or won’t do this, for whatever perfectly good reason, hire someone to come and shower. You’ll be surprised how comfortable most people feel with professional caregivers. That’s because there is no story, no struggle, no shame.

Usually, too, professional caregivers know not to rush people. The phrase “Faster, slower” was invented for people with dementia. So, Marian has learned to slow down, relax and take her time with Alzheimer’s Granny, because she found out it’s faster that way. It is also much more friendly.

Try it.