To make things easier on you both:

• Follow the person’s normal bathing routine.
• Use a handheld showerhead and consider getting a shower seat for safety.
• Check the temperature of the water before the person gets in.
• Play some soft music and call it “spa day” to help relax the person.
• Allow your loved one to do as much as possible.
• Cover them with a towel so they do not feel exposed.
• Give the person a washcloth to hold.
• If a bath or shower are not safe or the person refuses, consider giving them a sponge bath.

As the disease progresses, you may want to get some equipment to make this process safer and easier. Some things to consider for your home are:

• Shower chair
• Tub transfer bench
• Handheld shower head
• Raised toilet seat
• Commode
• Anti-scald device on faucets

See our Information Tip Sheets and Tip Videos for more information about this topic.