What would be a reason why someone might not like to have a bath? Perhaps, the temperature change of getting into the water is difficult to bear? Maybe a person feels too cold before getting in and after getting out of the bath? Maybe someone, especially a senior, feels unbalanced in the water and is fearful of slipping into the water.
After one of my training sessions at a care home Lily, one of the care aides, came to me and said, “Wow, you really opened my eyes to the possible reason why one of my residents hates to take a bath.” She explained how Mr. Peters was very reluctant to go for a bath every time she mentioned that it was time for it. He had to be coaxed to cooperate and his never fail reactive words were, “leave me alone.”
Lily went on to say she didn’t think much of the reason why Mr. Peters didn’t like taking baths. It didn’t really occur to her that there could be a valid reason. But, now she might have an idea of why he’s reluctant. She repeats that he is always saying he is cold, and does a funny shiver dance. Lily always thought that Mr. Peters was just being funny.
Now that Lily reflects on the behaviour as having reason, she says, “Putting myself in his shoes, I think he might really be cold, and that’s why he does not like taking a bath – he’s uncomfortable.”
The next step, as I saw her mind churn away with creative thought, was coming up with solutions of how to help her client feel more comfortable and warm. She thought, and came up with a great idea; she would wrap him in a warmed up blanket before he would get in and then one for after he got out of the bath. Even if the first blanket gets wet, she would remove it and have a clean and warm one to wrap him in for when he would come out of the bath.
It’s important for people providing care to open their minds to other possible reasons for why a person with dementia would act a certain way. Caregivers should be conscious to find the meaning behind the behaviour. In this case, the meaning behind Mr. Peters’ behaviour was so simple, he was cold and he was even saying it. It only takes awareness to read the meaning behind the clues provided.
It makes me feel good to see caregivers use creativity to come up with solutions to help their clients and the family members they care for. I love seeing the education I provide in action. If you are interested in a session, please contact me for the next one: 778-789-1496.
Karen 🙂
Karen Tyrell, CDP, CPCA
