Bathing safely at home: preventing falls and keeping dignity

The bathroom is one of the riskiest rooms in the house for someone who is unsteady, and bathing can be frightening for a person with dementia. A few changes make it safer and calmer. This note collects practical guidance from the National Institute on Aging.

Never leave them alone

Don’t leave a confused or frail person alone in the tub or shower, even for a moment.¹ Gather towels, soap and clothes before you start.

Equipment that helps

Safety bars by the tub, a rubber bath mat, a sturdy shower chair for anyone unsteady and a handheld showerhead all reduce the risk of a fall.¹ Shower chairs and handheld showerheads are sold at drug stores and medical supply stores.¹ Skip bath oil: it makes the tub slippery.¹

Water and warmth

Check the water temperature before the person gets in.¹ Keep the bathroom warm and well lit.¹

How often is enough

A full bath or shower two or three times a week is usually enough.¹ In between, wash the face, hands, feet, underarms and genital area each day with a sponge bath.¹ If getting in and out of the tub is hard, a sponge bath can replace it.¹

When bathing frightens them

For a person with dementia, keep to lifelong habits, such as bathing in the morning or before bed.¹ Tell them each step before you do it. Let them do what they can. Keep a towel over their shoulders and lap for warmth and privacy.

Drying and skin

Pat the skin dry, and make sure it’s completely dry, including between skin folds, to prevent rashes and infections.¹ Look for redness or sores while you do, especially on the heels, hips and tailbone, and tell the nurse if you see any.

Help at home

A home health occupational therapist can look at the bathroom and recommend equipment, and teach safe ways to get in and out. On home health or hospice, an aide may help with bathing when it’s part of the plan of care.