My Dad will not take a shower. I understand why but please what can I do to convince him he needs one?

Your dad's Dr. can order a bath aide to come to your dad's house and help him shower. I did this with my dad when he was hesitant to shower. I supplied the towels and the aide did the rest. She was in and out in 30 min. and she also shaved my dad too. It was covered my Medicare.

I have read on other forums here that sometimes getting theminto a shower is successful with some strategies. One that has worked for some is to go back in time. What would have been an important event to your Dad to get him to want to get cleaned up? A date with a woman? Military inspection? An important meeting at work? An interview? If like my Mom he would forget why he was getting in the shower before he is done.

Does he have a seat or bench to sit on while in the shower? Grab bars? Non-skid surface? Is the shower as safe as it can be for him?

From what I have read on other forums here at Aging Care, when someone develops dementia or Alzheimer, sometimes they develop a fear of going into the shower. It can stem from the fear of falling while in the shower.... the fear of the water because it feels different when it hits them.... or if the shower stall itself is small, they get claustrophobia.

On the market are pre-moisten bath cloths that your Dad can use to clean himself without stepping into a shower. You can even use Huggies Naturals Wipes, which I use between showers for myself.... on those days where you can't find enough time for your own personal care.