My mother is in an ALF and her shower days are monday and thursday. She has moderate cognitive memory loss. Every Monday the CNA's try to get momma to shower and she makes up excuses. I will tonight, or I will tomorrow. After 3 tries they are not required to try any longer. I had her internist give me a prescription for Alprazolam to calm her down but they have to call me and tell me she refuses and then they will give her the pill. Then it calms her down too much and I have to be there to help them get her bathed. Today was hell. It took us 2 hours to get her to shower and I would not let her go out o her room. I knew that once she got to the lobby, sat down she would go to sleep. She screamed, called me a bitch and I know this is the disease talking. I have tried the "You are going to the Doctor", "Let's get cleaned up so we can go shopping", having a very calm voice, hugging her and trying to get her to agree but to no avail. When she finally showers, she thanks everyone. Today I just had to show myself, get ugly and finally she let one of the CNA's shower her. It makes me feel terrible but she does not remember it the next day.
Anyone used another type of medication that will just take the edge off and not zonk a parent out?