A daily full bath may not be in your loved one's best interest. Skin tends to become more dry and sensitive as we age, so a head-to-toe scrubbing everyday could do more harm than good. Instead, private areas and skin folds should be gently cleaned on a daily basis with a warm washcloth. Save the full baths for two or three times a week.

Make sure the bathtub or shower is properly equipped to accommodate your loved one's level of balance and agility. Remove any items from the bathroom floor that could be a tripping hazard (including area rugs). Install grab bars in the tub or shower, and get a shower seat if needed to help your loved one avoid falls. An inexpensive hose for the tub can make rinsing easier. If they are unable to step into a bathtub, install a transfer bench or consider sponge baths. Make sure the room is warm and test the temperature of the water before your loved one enters the bath.

Regardless of the method of bathing, prepare in advance any items that will be needed—washcloths, towels, soap and shampoo. If your loved one has favorite products that they've always used, keep using those unless they become too harsh for sensitive skin. If you switch to a baby shampoo or sensitive skin formula soap, explain to your loved one the reason why.

Allow your loved one some level of privacy when cleaning private areas. They can keep a towel on their lap throughout the bath which is only lifted as needed.

If your loved one is able to handle a washcloth, let them clean themselves as much as possible, even if it's just to wipe down their arms. That simple action can help them retain a sense of independence and can help keep their mind off the more thorough washing you're giving them. Other distractions that may help include light conversation or playing their favorite music while they bathe.

If you are giving your loved one sponge baths in their bed, there are no-rinse soaps and shampoos available that make this task a little easier. Be aware, they will still need to rinse off occasionally to remove residue.

Home care agencies can provide assistance with bathing. You may find the best option for you and your loved one is to handle the day-to-day washing yourselves and have a home care aide come in a couple times a week to take care of the more thorough bathing.

Help your loved one retain their personal sense of style and taste in clothing. It may be a little bit easier for you to help them slide into a pair of sweatpants, but if they have never owned a pair, they probably don't want to start now. Unless there is a medically indicated reason, don't push your personal preferences or styles onto your loved one.

Allow your loved one to dress themselves as much as possible and only step in to assist when needed. It might take a little longer, but it will help them retain a sense of independence and will help keep the situation from becoming stressful or confrontational.

If your loved one suffers from arthritis in their hands or is less nimble in their fingers, they may have trouble with buttons or zippers. These can be replaced with Velcro, which will allow your loved one to continue self-dressing for a bit longer. Elastic waist bands make pants easier to put on. V-neck sweaters or a cardigan also are easier to slip on than a crewneck sweater.

If your loved one has dementia, they may have some trouble with decision making. Rather than asking "what do you want to wear today?" give limited options, such as "do you want to wear the blue shirt or the yellow shirt today?" (This also eliminates the option of not getting dressed at all).

It's always a little harder to put the second arm into a shirt or jacket, so be sure to start with your loved one's weaker arm. That way, you avoid putting too much stress on the weak arm. When removing the shirt or jacket, start with the stronger arm.

If your loved one wears compression socks, there are some simple tricks to getting them on more easily. Put your hand into the sock until you touch the toe, then turn half of the sock inside out. Place the sock over your loved one's toe and slide the sock over the heel. Gently slide the rest of the sock up the leg until it's in position. You may find it's easier to get a grip on the sock if you wear rubber gloves.Dressing Tips