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Mommy Doesn't Want Me To Bathe Her Even Though She Is Bedridden.

A myALZteam Member asked a question 💭

I used to bedbath her about every three days. I give her frequent perineal care, of course, but it's been a week and she refuses to allow me to give her the bed bath . She just doesn't seem to want to be bothered. I have managed to get some CeraVe on her problem skin, but how long can she go on with no bath?
Has this ever happened with you and your bedridden loved one? Mommy can't even sit up on the side of the bed anymore, much less get up.

February 24
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A myALZteam Member

This is a special challenge. If I remember right, she has discomfort even with touch which puts you in a very hard place as far as cares. Here would be my suggestions. Don’t go for a whole bath. Try just her face, abd and arms one day. Do her legs another day, do her back when she is turned. It may be easier to break it up. If she is sensitive to touch, get some no rinse foaming soap. You can put it on the soft washcloth and wash a part, and not have to rinse so you are touching her less and it is quicker for both of you. (I use this on my husband because he hates getting cleaned up so I can move faster) Another suggestion is to keep her covered. We had flannel type bath blankets that we used at the hospital. Do her face, then do her abdomen, leaving her arms covered with the bath blanket or a towel. Remove one arm, wash it and tuck it back under the blanket, etc. this will help keep her warm, and she won’t feel so exposed. Hope that will help some.

February 24
A myALZteam Member

@A myALZteam Member my mom is in that exact same condition. I would suggest you ask her healthcare providers if they can prescribe her medication for pain and anxiety or irritation. That way you don't struggle so much with bathing her. If you are going to keep her at home. She needs to be changed at least 2 to 3 times a day. My mother is on hospice, so she gets a bath aid twice a week. The RN come once a week. Periodically the Nurse practitioner comes to visit about once a month. They also send a social worker to check up on her. Hospice is great for your situation. Take advantage of whatever resources are available 🥺 they are there for both of you. With hospice you even get respite every benefit period, which is like every 2 months.

February 25
A myALZteam Member

@A myALZteam Member: You clearly need help with her care. Please call the palliative care nurse practitioner and ask her about the bathing. Maybe it's time to move to Hospice care, and get some serious help.

February 24
A myALZteam Member

My husband refused to shower. We went to sponge bath which he hated. He went on Hospice, which was so helpful. They came 4 days a week, my caregiver the other days. I gave him a medication, their nurse prescribed, about 30 minutes before Hospice arrived and that helped. He still hated it, but it was easier. Since he also had Vascular Dementia he hated being touched. It is a struggle every day, but stay strong. You are doing everything you can.

February 28
A myALZteam Member

@A myALZteam Member, hospice has a fixed schedule, so you will know the days they come for bathing. If you have an appointment just let them know ahead time. They will work closely with you, to meet your needs for your mother and you. If your mother has to go to hospital call hospice they are on call 24 hours a day. If it is a critical emergency call a medic. You will be able to get things done in between that time. It might take a little bit longer but be persistent at making progress on the tasks you want to get done. You'll feel better. Just do a little everyday. If you don't get to something you are working on, don't beat yourself up. Get focused, eliminate distractions. I am saying this because I feel like that too sometimes. Scattered. I hate clutter and disorganization. This a challenge for me and I am certain it is for all us. You got this!!

February 26

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