Focus on the person, not the bathing task

* Help the person feel in control. Involve or coach the person through each step of bathing. Be sure the person has a role. For example, have the person hold a washcloth or shampoo bottle.
* Give the person choices. For example, ask if he or she would like to bathe now or in 15 minutes, or take a bath or a shower. Try saying “Let’s wash up” instead of “Let’s take a bath.”
* Be aware that the person may perceive bathing to be threatening. If the person resists bathing or acts out, distract him or her and try again later.
* Often praise the person for his or her efforts and cooperation.
* Always protect the person’s dignity, privacy and comfort. Try to help the person feel less vulnerable by covering the person with a bath blanket while undressing.
* Cover or remove the mirrors if a reflection in the bathroom mirror leads the person to believe there’s a stranger in the room.
* Have a familiar person of the same sex help, if possible.
* Be flexible. Allow the person to get into the tub or shower with clothes on. He or she may want to undress once clothes are wet.
* Don’t worry about how often the person bathes. Try sponge baths in between showers or baths. Wash one part of the body each day of the week. Or, consider shampooing hair at another time or on a different day.
* Pad the shower seat and other cold or uncomfortable surfaces with towels.
* Have activities ready in case the person becomes agitated. For example, play soothing music or sing together.

Credit : www.alz.org