Personal Care : Washing and Dressing

Assisting someone with Dementia with personal care is one of the most common tasks which care workers are asked to undertake.  Many people resist having assistance with personal care as it is a reminder that they are not as able as they used to be and they  feel that they are losing control of this most intimate part of their lives.
However, care staff  are there to help not to take over and we encourage the client to do as much as possible for themselves.  The emphasis is always on maintaining everyday life skills and facilitating the client to remain independent for as long as possible.  Here are some tips to ensure that washing and dressing are as stress free both for the person with dementia and the person assisting them.

Before starting with bathing or showering get everything ready and laid out so that there is a calm and unhurried atmosphere to undertake washing and dressing.  Lay out clothes that will be worn afterwards on the bed - offer a choice of two alternatives as this is easier for the person with dementia to handle.  A wardrobe full of clothes presents too much confusing choice.  Check  that there are towels, flannels, soap and that the bathroom is warm enough. It is also good practice to ensure that he or she uses the toilet before starting bathing to avoid any interruptions.

Once in the bathroom, help to undress as necessary and put the dirty clothes away out of sight so that they are not worn again before they are washed. Always ensure that the person has a towel to cover  with and they are not naked until actually  in the bath or shower. Check the water temperature carefully  and assist the person into the bath or shower.  A small stool in the bath or shower can make washing easier and more relaxed. Guide the person to wash themselves as much as they are able.  You may have to soap a flannel or washcloth and guide the person's hand to show how to wash. You may have to assist to  wash parts that are difficult to reach such as the feet and back.  Keep talking and reassuring, reminding the person of the next step. 

Once the he or she  is clean, wrap in towels and again allow him or her to do as much drying as possible and as before, assist with hard to reach parts.  This is a good time to check toenails and fingernails which may need cutting and to check for any skin lesions or bruises.  If the person uses deodrant or moisturiser, assist to apply as necessary.    Facilitate to dress by reminding the order of clothes and assisting with any difficult buttons or zips.  If he or she has had a stroke and one limb is weaker, then that limb must be dressed  first.

People vary greatly in their personal care - gentleman who wish to shave are safer with an electric shaver and this can be part of their washing and dressing routine. Ladies can be assisted to put on some makeup and nail varnish and this can help to boost self esteem and increase well being.

It can be difficult for people with dementia to accept help from family  to bath or shower especially their  adult chidren and it is oftern easier for them to accept help from professional care staff.  SureCare staff have all had training in assisting with showering and bathing and specialist training in dementia care. They will always ensure privacy and dignity for the client. If your loved one needs help with bathing or showering we can help.

For more information on SureCare please go to http://www.surecarewarks.co.uk/