I am looking for some tips or ideas. I am a professional caregiver to an
86-year-old female with dementia who suffered a stroke and right hip
fracture. She refuses to shower, do dental care or wash her hands. She
resides with her husband and daughter who have health issues as well.
When the patient is reminded to get cleaned up, her response is, "I
showered last night when everyone went to bed." She has not been
upstairs (where the shower is) since June 2010, due to the hip fracture
and partial replacement. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
J from Pennsylvania
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| Past Carenotes |
Name: Christy
Location: WA
Date: 01/26/2011
Time: 08:30 AM
Comments
Try using limited choices, such as "would you like your shower before or after lunch" Sometimes people can have irrational fears, such as the sound of the water being scary or fear of sliding down the drain. If that's the case a sponge bath or putting a towel over the drain might help her to accept washing up. For dental care or hand washing, maybe "let's brush our teeth" or "let's wash our hands" and doing the task for yourself (brushing your own teeth) alongside her will work.
Name: John
Location: Southern California
Date: 01/25/2011
Time: 04:12 PM
Comments
What would happen if you suggested a soothing bubble bath?
Name: Kathy
Location: TN
Date: 01/25/2011
Time: 11:15 AM
Comments
Sometimes they do not like to accept dependency or fear injury as the shower is upstairs and therefore other tactics may work. Why not bring her a basin of water and wash cloth with soap and say that you will help her. Little steps for accepting help may work.
Name:
Location:
Date: 01/25/2011
Time: 06:27 AM
Comments
I had the same problem with my mother. I told her at times she had the old person smell, or that she smelled like urine. I would also buy something new for her to wear, but said she had to get all cleaned up and put on her new clothes.
It really is a constant battle to try to keep them inspired enough to keep clean and keep others in their lives. Once they give up it is all over....!! Hope this helps.
