What to do when a senior loved one who showered or bathed daily refuses or forgets to shower for a week or more? First, try a quiet chat to find out what they like and don’t like about bathing. They may simply not want to bathe at the assigned time of day or may have become uncomfortable with how the shower spray feels on their body or with the temperature of the water. Depending on the reasons you uncover, you may be able to make some simple adjustments.

If the adjustments don’t help. Here are a few other thoughts:

• Try gentle persuasion to get them to resume a bathing routine.
• Offer to better protect their privacy by using towels or drapes to cover private areas.
• Suggest wipe downs as alternatives to a shower or bath.
• Improve the environment by playing favorite music and adding favorite scents in the bathroom.