Infection prevention and control in care homes is crucial for protecting residents and their health outcomes.
Maintaining personal hygiene for some people can become an unpleasant experience and so turns into a complex task for carers. Sadly, for people living with dementia, particularly in the later stages, it’s common to develop the fear of water (aquaphobia) due to changes in sensory perception, temperature sensitivity, and difficulty understanding what water is, making regular washing practices a distressing and difficult event for both the person with dementia and their caregiver.
Of course, bathing someone should always be approached with sensitivity and care. Simple adjustments for people with dementia, such as avoiding water on the face or offering shallow baths, can make a difference. Yet over time, even those methods might become uncomfortable or intolerable.
Feeling clean helps reduce anxiety and promotes relaxation, something everyone deserves whatever stage of life or condition. Thankfully, advancements in technology now offer a compassionate alternative to traditional ways using soap and water. Waterless bathing is increasingly used in care homes as a less-distressing method of personal hygiene.
This innovative solution eliminates the need for water altogether yet still maintains a strong hygiene routine. Nilaqua’s “Towel Off” technology provides a gentle bathing experience by allowing thorough cleansing without a drop of water involved. The product is applied directly to the skin or hair, massaged to lift dirt and oils, and then removed with a towel, eliminating the need for rinsing off.
By replacing water-based washing, care homes can significantly decrease the risk of contamination and infection spread.
