Journaling will also help you release burden of care giving you may have. Releasing burden through pen will definitely ease pain. But journaling should not be only way out for these strong feelings you have. You may want to enroll in a support group. You can check through Alzheimer’s Association if there is such a group in you area. Speaking to other people will help in getting all these negative emotions out. And most of participants are dealing with exactly same emotions because they have to care for a loved one who has dementia. Sometimes, speaking out loud and getting out these feelings will do you a lot of good and you will feel much better after. You may even make friends through these groups, friends that will be able to support you as time goes on.

Remember, you are not alone. You have friends and family to talk to. Maybe you can ask a family member to help with your loved one. It will ease burden and give you more time to yourself, to journal and to recharge your batteries.

Music is a good way to help as well. It can be good therapy. Studies have shown that some Alzheimer’s patients react very well to music. They may feel less stress. Music can decrease emotions of agitation or aggressive behavior. You can play soft music; add some fragrance in bathroom. It will make it more inviting. You can try to use same rituals your loved one used before when taking a bath or a shower. Routine is extremely important for persons with Alzheimer’s.

If you feel there is still tension and resistance, you can always choose another option. You can hire some professional help just for bathing time. If you decide to get someone to help you, make sure that person has experience with Alzheimer’s disease and knows how to handle patients with dementia. You can hire someone on your own or go through an agency. They have qualified people and will be able to assist you in this situation. Sometimes, individual with dementia will respond better to a third party rather than a family member. Put yourself in her shoes, it can be really embarrassing having someone from your family bathe you. A disinterested, but gentle, third party may help greatly.

The main thing is to handle bath time in a loving manner. Your loved one will appreciate it and it will lower her stress level, as well as yours.