Alzheimer’s & Dementia & Care Show

Last weekend we exhibited at the UK’s leading event for Alzheimers and Dementia information, resources, help and advice.

It was a jam packed two day event and we spoke to so many professionals, NHS staff, Nurses and those caring for loved ones. We were truly humbled hearing all your stories.

Every single one of you were fascinated with our waterless washing products and told us how these items are going to change their loved ones lives.

Why would someone with Alzheimer’s or Dementia use waterless washing?

Many people develop “aquaphobia” during the middle to later stages of Dementia & Alzheimers. This could be for a number of reasons. One of the main concerns is not being able to see the water. An other problem that can occur is depth perception, a bath could trigger the sense of drowning.

Anyone living with Dementia can feel unsteady on their feet & potentially fall; stepping into a bathroom with lots of different textures and hard surfaces can be very daunting, so removing the element of this, will ease stress and anxiety. Finally put yourself in their shoes, how you would like to remove you clothes in front of a stranger? You will feel venerable and confused as to what is happening. These are just a few of the instances where someone with Alzheimer’s or Dementia can become fearful of bathing, this can result in agitation and aggression if pushed to complete an everyday task against their wishes. I am sure you agree this is understandable!

We’ve been developing and manufacturing our range of waterless products, specialising in towel off technology for the past 10 years. Allowing people to wash from head to toe without any additional water or rinsing. They can be used for anyone that has mobility issues, can no longer bathe themselves, developed aquaphobia or simply any condition where traditional bathing becomes impossible.

Nilaqua Towel Off Shampoo

How to use: Simply pour the liquid directly onto your hair, massage until it lathers just like regular shampoo. This lifts all the grease and dirt into the solution, and then just towel dry your hair like normal. By towel drying you are removing the solution with the dirt from your hair, onto the towel. You can then style your hair however you like.

We’ve developed this with a light apple fragrance to help with sensory perception so they can smell the cleanliness as well as feeling clean, this will help those with Alzheimer’s / Dementia to aid in remembering and recognising that they have had a bath. For long or curly hair we recommend to wash in sections and on average 50ml is used per wash.

Nilaqua Towel Off Body Cleansing Foam

This is used in the exact same way as the shampoo, simply foam onto the body, massage in to lift all dirt and whilst wet and soapy, towel off. Meaning you are clean and the towel is dirty.

Unlike the shampoo we have developed this into a foam to help with aquaphobia. You can target the area’s needing cleaning and not have to worry about liquid running everywhere. This is dermatologically tested, no emollients or barrier creams needed. Plus can be used all over the body including intimate areas and incontinence. This will clean everything including blood, feaces and urine. Designed for long term use and will not degrade the skin over time. Anyone who is in the later stages of Alzheimer’s / Dementia and becomes incontinent. You can use the Body Cleansing Foam with a little water for heavy soiling.

This means you can wash someone from the comfort of an armchair perhaps whilst watching TV, promote independence by giving them the opportunity to wash themselves, and also providing dignity as you can wash an area at a time so that the person isn’t completely uncovered the whole time.

Personal Hygiene while being cared for, the bigger picture! – Gemma Hughes, Personal Care Manager

On Saturday in the Talks Hub our very own Gemma held a talk on personal hygiene, tips to make the environment better for those with Alzheimer’s and Dementia, and alternative options. You can access all talks online including Gemma’s where she discusses the importance of providing personal hygiene to someone that might not understand. Going back to basics to provide the best alternative care possible for the patient and the carer.

Where can you get Nilaqua

The number one question we get is where can I get this? We’ve been on the NHS supply chain for over 7 years, meaning if you are in hospital you can get Nilaqua on the wards. We have also been on prescription for the last year.

If you would like to just buy some you can get it from our own online shop www.norinse.co.uk, Boots online, The Range online and many pharmacies up and down the country.

If you would like to talk to us about anything feel free to call us on 01453 357 337 or email us at hello@waterlessltd.co.uk