First off you can't ask or tell them and as you know you can't reason with them. Try waiting when she has to use the bathroom or say let's go into the bathroom I'd like to show you something make up something to get her in there. Have everything you need for bathing before you bring her in. Don't ask just say we'll get some different clothes on and start helping with getting her clothes off then just start running the water tell her as long as where in here we can shower. See if that works. With dementia you can't ask yes or no questions because typically it'll be a no. Showing her on the calendar when she last bathed would make her upset as she probably doesn't even know what day it is. I've worked in a locked dementia unit for 18 year's I know it can be tough. If you'd like to know more or any other questions just ask. I'll even give you my number I could tell you so much more. I feel for you this is such a horrible disease 😞 God Bless.

What works best for me is telling my mom that I have a doctor’s appointment and need her to come with me, making her believe I’m the one that needs her help seems to be the key to convince her.

What is working, so far, is that I go ahead & arbitrarily run a bath (sometimes bubbles included!) & once filled I inform my wife that the bath that she wanted is ready. Fortunately, she almost always accepts this & sometimes I have to tell her that she wants to look good for going out, visiting others, etc., which currently works as inducements. I purchased a Paraffin wax hand/foot therapy container which is used with the explanation that her appointment at the spa is ready. Bath is included!

My husband got afraid of the tub and shower. We bought rinseless wipes and waterless shower caps on Amazon and did quick washes when he’d let us. If you don’t have the book “ The 36 Hour Day” you should get it. It has many hints and insights for dealing with dementia things. I bought mine on Amazon and it was worth it’s weight in gold.

My mum was a nightmare at shower time. I dont think she had a shower for a year until i moved in. She was good at washing herself down. I asked the community nurse for help, but mum kicked off everytime...im ill, i cant get out of bed, i had one yesterday, you are not around all the time u dont know! I asked mum when she would prefer having a shower and i negotiated with her, twice a week, Sunday and Wednesday! At night! It has to be toastie warm, all set up etc! She tries to get away to bed before i notice, but i sing a song, distract her with her foot warmer! Ask if the water is just right! Then she gets into gear and gets it done. Its very stressful and if it goes off smoothly i relax. Each day is a new day! Mum hasnt washed her hair in two years. She runs a wet comb through it, she used to put it in curlers, but doesnt anymore! Wont go to the hairdressers or have one come in. She insists on cutting her own hair then i say let me get the bit at the back. Next day she says the buggars have cut my hair in my sleep! You need a sense of humour! Nothing is logical! She has about 30 seconds of short term memory!