Maintaining personal hygiene is vital for physical health, dignity and well-being. For people living with dementia, washing, showering and bathing can become distressing or even frightening experiences. Understanding the unique challenges associated with dementia and hygiene is essential for providing compassionate and effective care for your loved one.
In this article, we explore why bathing can be difficult for people with dementia, what behavioural and sensory changes might be at play and how carers can gently support their loved ones while preserving comfort, dignity and choice.
Why dementia makes hygiene and bathing challenging
People with dementia often experience changes that affect memory, sensory perception, communication and emotional processing. These changes can make personal care tasks feel confusing, uncomfortable or even threatening.
Discomfort with sensory stimulation
The sound of running water, the feel of water on the skin, the rush of water from the shower head or bright lights in a bathroom can overwhelm or distress someone with dementia. The sensory processing changes associated with the condition can make these everyday stimuli feel unpredictable or even painful.
Temperature sensitivity
As people age, they often become more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. For someone with dementia, warm water might feel too hot, even if it’s at a safe temperature. They may also suddenly feel chilly before or after bathing. This discomfort can create fear or resistance towards washing.
Fear of falling
Cognitive changes in dementia are often accompanied by mobility issues or impaired balance, which can increase the risk of falls. A slippery bathroom or the act of stepping into a shower can trigger real fear, discouraging an individual from washing altogether. In addition, your loved one may also experience distress about the water level in the bath and perceive it as being too deep.
Loss of understanding or memory
Dementia may cause a person to forget what a shower or bath is for, or how to perform each step in their washing routine. They might not remember when they last washed or might feel embarrassed or defensive when prompted to bathe, especially if the suggestion feels unexpected or intrusive to them.
Loss of privacy or dignity
Personal care and hygiene, by definition, are personal. Having someone else assist with washing and dressing, even if that person is a relative, can cause embarrassment or confusion. If your loved one doesn’t understand why they’re being helped, they may feel out of control of the situation and resist or lash out.
Tips for supporting personal hygiene for people with dementia
While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, there are many practical ways to help someone with dementia feel more comfortable and secure during bathing routines.
Establish a familiar routine
Try to keep your loved one’s assisted bathing routine as similar to their regular routine as possible. Use the products and towels that they would normally use to ensure the sensory experience is familiar to them. Maintain a consistent washing routine to build familiarity and trust and reduce your loved one’s anxiety.
Offer choice and control
Let your loved one choose whether they prefer a bath or a shower (if appropriate) and allow them to participate in their wash routine where possible. For example, they may want to start by washing their hands and face themselves. Or you could try equipment like a handheld showerhead, which may provide them with more control and ability to take part in washing.
You could also try offering them a towel to cover the part of their body that’s not being washed, to help them feel in control of their dignity. Even small choices can help them feel respected and involved.
Create a calm and reassuring environment
Minimise potential stress by making your loved one’s wash space as calm and comfortable as possible. You could try using soft lighting, soothing music and familiar scents such as candles, bath products or aromatherapy.
Be patient and reassuring
Take your time with your loved one’s personal care and use calm, encouraging language. Let them know what you’re doing at each step and reassure them regularly. Try to limit interruptions and loud noises during this time too.
Use supportive equipment
Using aids and equipment such as shower chairs, stools, grab rails and non-slip mats can make your loved one’s wash routine safer for them, and it may help to boost their confidence with washing and bathing too.
Monitor water and room temperature
Ensure the water is at a comfortable temperature for your loved one. It should be warm but not too hot. Try to keep the bathroom warm before and after bathing too. Always check with your loved one to see how the temperature feels for them and remember that their perception of temperature may have changed with the progression of the disease.
Consider alternatives when necessary
If your loved one is distressed by or resistant to bathing, a full bath or shower might not always be possible. It’s still crucial that their personal hygiene is maintained to keep them comfortable and healthy. Here are some alternatives to consider:
• Sponge baths with warm, damp cloths or sponges may be a more suitable option if a full bath or shower isn’t.
• Wet wipes and hand sanitiser can be used if your loved one is struggling with hand washing.
• Try waterless cleansing products such as no-rinse body washes and dry shampoo in between full washes.
When to seek professional support
If personal hygiene becomes a frequent source of distress or leads to hygiene-related health concerns such as infections or skin issues, it may be time to seek help from a healthcare provider or care professional.
How Comfort Care At Home can help
Our trained care professionals understand the unique needs of people living with dementia. We offer compassionate, dignified personal care that prioritises comfort, safety and individual choice.
Whether it’s assistance with washing and bathing, supporting daily routines, or simply helping someone feel calm and secure, our care team is here to help. We understand that flexibility, patience and sensitivity are essential when providing dementia care – and we always aim to work in partnership with family members to provide the very best experience for your loved one.
Contact us today to learn more about our services or book a free consultation.
