Did you know that people with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia may be afraid of water? There also may be other reasons your loved one is resistant to washing his/her hands. If you’re having a hard time getting your loved one to wash his/her hands, as per the CDC guidelines for COVID-19, try these tips:
- Try singing a song while encouraging your loved one to wash his/her hands.
- Put a sign in the bathroom reminding your loved one to wash his/her hands.
- Your loved one’s frustration with washing hands may be due to the inability to remember each step needed (e.g. turn the sink on, get the soap, put soap on hands, rub hands together, rinse, etc.). To minimize stress for you and your loved one, try stating the steps needed while guiding the person to wash his/her hands. e.g. “Let’s turn the water on, then put our hands in the water, pump the soap, put it on our hands, etc.” As difficult as it may be, remember that if you remain calm while guiding them and state the steps as you’re doing them, it can help your loved one remain calm and less resistant to washing hands.
- Pay attention to the water temperature. You don’t want your loved one to be resistant because it’s too hot or too cold.
- Use lavender or other relaxing scents to help sooth your loved one while trying to get him or her to complete tasks they may resist.
- Although washing hands with soap is preferred, per the CDC guidelines, you can use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol as the next best thing. To make sure your loved one uses the sanitizer, try putting it on your hands and then gently massage your loved one’s hands.
Your loved one doesn’t even need to know that you’re massaging his/her hands to spread the sanitizer. They may just enjoy the soothing touch of your hands.
