26 June 2004
University of Iowa Gerontological Nursing Interventions Research Center, Research Translation and Dissemination Core - Academic Institution
Summary,

GUIDELINE OBJECTIVE(S)

To provide guidelines for nurses who are planning and/or directing care and the direct caregiver of persons with dementia, to enhance the therapeutic effects of the bathing process and to provide the person with an environment and bathing options which meet their needs and add to their quality of life

TARGET POPULATION

Patients with chronic dementing illness

INTERVENTIONS AND PRACTICES CONSIDERED

1. Patient assessment including interviewing the patient's family and obtaining previous bathing preferences
2. Determining level of assistance the individual will require using cognitive/functional status tools, such as the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Test for Severe Impairment (TSI), and the Clock Drawing Test, and direct observation
3. Establishing bathing methods using results of the above tests and discussing current preferences with patient/family
4. Documenting the established method of bathing for caregivers to follow

MAJOR OUTCOMES CONSIDERED

* Frequency and severity of negative bathing episodes
* Therapeutic effects of bathing experience