| TOPIC | Showering | ||
| Domain | Governance | TYPE | Procedure |
Showering
Consumers must be afforded the greatest privacy and dignity during showering. Encourage consumers to wash themselves as much as they are able – provide reassurance and guidance as needed.
If a consumer has a cognitive impairment and refuses to be showered; or becomes distressed during showering discontinue the shower and document what you have observed in the case note.
Showering
- First gather the supplies you need and ensure they are within reach
Showering equipment
- handheld shower head (where available)
- nonslip mats and stickies
- grab bars
- shower chair or bench
Consumer’s toiletries as per their choice and preferences
- Shampoo and conditioner
- liquid soap (where available)
- Soft sponge (flannels are not recommended due to increased risk of skin abrasions/skin tears)
Consumer’s resources to ensure privacy and dignity
- Robe
- Additional towels or cover ups
- Chair outside the shower
-
Prepare for the shower
Explain to the consumer that it is time for their shower, and you will support them – seek their consent. Assist the consumer to move to their bathroom. Ask the consumer to undress and cover with a robe or towel. Assist the consumer as per the Care Plan.
-
Check the water temperature
Turn on the shower taps and check the water temperature, use your hand to do so. Normally warm water is a good temperature for most people. Ask the consumer to check the temperature of the shower with their hand and ensure they are comfortable with the temperature before they enter the shower.
-
Guide the consumer into the shower (encourage use of grab bar if installed)
Allow the consumer to wash on their own unless they can’t.
- Begin with the face, then move onto the arms, the torso, then the back, the legs, and finally, end with the feet. Basically, move from the cleanest areas to the dirtiest.
- During this time, observe for sores or rashes on the skin. If there are areas of redness, mottling or open wounds, report this to mobility using the app.
- Check with the consumer if they wish to wash their hair – assist the consumer as per the care plan and their instructions.
- Rinse off, then help them exit the shower safely, onto a dry surface
Ask the consumer if they are finished in the shower.
Turn off the water for the consumer (if they can’t do it themselves) but tell them to stay put for a moment.
Ensure you have a soft, non-slip carpet or mat for the consumer to step onto – if needed a chair outside the shower can be used whilst the consumer dries off – or you assist with drying.
Drape a soft terrycloth robe around them, then reach under it to remove the towel or cape they have being using as a cover up. The robe will dry their skin non-abrasively.
If they need help towel-drying, then take it slow and easy, being careful not to aggravate sensitive or injured skin. Pat, do not rub as it may damage fragile skin
If the consumer is prone to skin dryness, then help them put lotion on after the shower if they can’t do so themselves if this is indicated in the Care Plan.
How To Shower with A Shower Chair
To safely use a shower chair, you must check that the shower chair has both slip-resistant feet and a bathmat underneath to prevent the person’s feet from slipping when they stand. The chair should not move, slide, or wobble on the shower floor or in the tub if that’s where it has been placed.
Ensure the consumer steps over the lip of the shower mat on entering and exiting the shower chair.
How Do You Help Someone with Dementia Shower?
Check the Care Plan for any special instructions or support required.
Make sure the consumer is calm, comfortable and in a generally good disposition to shower. Never force showering, especially if the consumer is agitated or distressed.
The consumer’s anxiety or fears around water can prevent them from showering, as can embarrassment of not being able to shower themselves or having others see them naked.
If the consumer with dementia resists bathing, try these tips to provide encouragement:
- Rephrase words like bathing or showering. You could try saying “washing up”.
- Make sure the bathroom is warm enough and inviting
- Provide adequate lighting in the bathroom, especially during evening hours
- It may be helpful to play soft music in the background to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere
- Choose the best time of day for bathing and try to be consistent with the person’s bathing routine before the onset of dementia
- Consider the time of day when the person is most relaxed and the type of bathing, such as bath, shower or sponge bath, that they are used to
- Sometimes gently pouring water over their hands reassures them that the water isn’t too hot. Saying something like, “the water feels nice” or “this feels good” can also be reassuring and calming. Encourage the person to undertake as much as possible themselves.
For more information
Document History
Reviewed by: Clinical and Risk Specialist
Authorised by: CEO
Date Adopted:
Next Review Due:
Version Control
| Version | Date | Change |
| 1 | 10/4/22 | New |