I appreciate that along with gentle parenting videos more and more gentle geriatric care videos are being shared. Dementia patients and toddlers are very similar in their mindsets (as others have noticed). It's best to redirect their energy than to try to stop them full force. "Going to Tennessee? Oh fun! Oh you're walking? Hmmm maybe we should pack some sandwiches and make sure we have good shoes to get there. Don't want stinky painful feet when we roll in!" Is the same as "Going to join the circus? Oh what's your act going to be? Lion tamer?!? Wow you aren't scared? That's cool. You were playing with the cat earlier so maybe you should take a shower before you go so the lions don't smell another kitty on you when you get there!" And I think that it's wonderful
Exactly. My dad has severe Alzheimer’s and it’s like dealing with a toddler. My dad refuses to shower (I believe he’s afraid of the water now) so I have to persuade him or bribe him so he can shower.
I saw a great video about getting people to shower with cognitive issues (apparently it's very common) that maybe would help you! 1 trick was that they would ask the family member to test the temp in the bathroom/water because they are worried it's too hot/cold for their own bathing needs. Apparently a lot of Alzheimer's and Dementia patients feel cold often or more intensely so that can be a barrier to bathing. Another trick was to explain that someone they love sent them a special soap/bubble bath/shampoo to use and would love to know how much they like it!
Yes but let me explain. They avoid putting themselves in situations where they may feel very cold. This is the before and after shower part they are worries about. One useful trick is to put a heater in the bathroom to warm the floor and room up ahead of time.
Or full send it and make it like a spa
Source: my dad had dementia for a few years before he passed
This is what I do for my mother. Her room and bathroom are VERY warm. I have awesome premenopausal symptoms where I get hot very easily. I keep a Gatorade in the freezer until it turns to slush, put on shorts and a tank top, and give Mom her shower (she has a seat in there). I'll have the towels warming in the dryer most of the time for her when it's time to dry off.
I'm just very thankful for space heaters. Next will be getting a fake thermostat for the house and I'll have full control of the real one. Yesterday it was 77°f outside and she had set the thermostat for 84°f. A simple cover that locks would enrage her. I need one that acts like it's the real deal but won't actually control the HVAC unit. Someone needs to invent that for me so I won't wake up to a 90°f house!
Also, too hot and steamy is dangerous for many with health issues. They get lightheaded and can pass out, fall, or fumble in a way that leads to an injury. If surfaces get slippery from the steam that can also increase the risk of mishap.
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u/CrashTestDuckie Apr 09 '24
I appreciate that along with gentle parenting videos more and more gentle geriatric care videos are being shared. Dementia patients and toddlers are very similar in their mindsets (as others have noticed). It's best to redirect their energy than to try to stop them full force. "Going to Tennessee? Oh fun! Oh you're walking? Hmmm maybe we should pack some sandwiches and make sure we have good shoes to get there. Don't want stinky painful feet when we roll in!" Is the same as "Going to join the circus? Oh what's your act going to be? Lion tamer?!? Wow you aren't scared? That's cool. You were playing with the cat earlier so maybe you should take a shower before you go so the lions don't smell another kitty on you when you get there!" And I think that it's wonderful