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Caregiver Tip Sheets
Bathing
People with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia may be afraid of
bathing or uneasy with having someone help them with bathing.
Sometimes they worry about falling or can have trouble knowing
which is the hot versus the cold water faucets.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
WHY DOES PREPARE THE BATHROOM IN ADVANCE
THIS HAPPEN? • make sure the room is calm and warm
• run the water so it is not too hot or too cold
People with Alzheimer’s
or dementia might: • don’t use bright lights if possible
• afraid of falling MAKE THE BATHROOM SAFE
• use a non-slip mat in the tub or shower as a bath mat
• feeling uneasy getting
• consider a tub seat
undressed in front of you
• fill the tub with only 4 inches of water
• scared or confused
• remove things that may be dangerous such as razors, nail
• feeling helpless clippers, hair dryer, etc.
• watch carefully — don’t leave him or her alone
ALLOW TIME & BE POSITIVE
• allow your person to enjoy it… if he or she finds bath time
844.HELP. ALZ relaxing
AlzheimersLA.org • stay calm
© 2016 Alzheimer’s Los Angeles
Supported by DHHS, ACL (#90AL0002-01-00) • be direct… “Your bath is ready now”
• instead of “Do you want to take a bath?” give one step directions
• “Let’s wash your left arm… good!, now your other one” be
patient… don’t rush
BE REALISTIC
• don’t argue or get frustrated… a daily bath may be too much
• consider a sponge bath instead of a tub bath
• show what you need from them… pretend to wash your arm so
that he or she can copy
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