There are many reasons why seniors refuse to shower.  It could be a physical issue such as aches and pains in the back and legs that make it uncomfortable to go through the motions of bathing.  It could be psychological such as depression.  When someone is depressed they tend to neglect their hygiene because they just don't care about anything at all.  Another factor is control.  As adults age they tend to lose the control in their lives.  Family members, with all good intentions, take over many responsibilities for their aging loved ones.  Showering is one of the few activities that they have left to control and resisting is a way to keep it.  Decreased senses of smell and vision can also be the causes of hygiene neglect.  Older adults may not notice the signals such as an odor, peeling skin, or oily hair. 

Hygiene is still very important for older adults.  Family caregivers can help make the bathing process easier with these few tips.

1. Bathing everyday is not necessary for most seniors.  Allowing for 3 baths a week should be sufficient.
2. Make bath time pleasant by heating the water first and letting the steam warm the room before your loved one enters the bathroom.  This will make it more comfortable when your loved one gets undressed.
3. Simplify bathing and make it go faster with bath tools such as a body scrub, shampoo hair once a week (use shower caps during other bath times), and prepare the shower ahead of time.
4. Make bathing safe by prepping the floor to avoid slipping, installing grab bars for inside the shower and outside the shower, and consider using a shower chair/bench if your loved one is unsteady on his/her feet.
5. Respect your loved one's modesty by keeping him/her covered with a towel.
6. Do the bath in small steps; first wash the face, later sponge bathe the neck and shoulders, tomorrow shampoo the hair.
7. If your loved one has dementia try playing their favorite music while in the bathroom.  Encourage he/she to sing along while you get him/her through bath time.

Shorter, simpler, and less frequent bathing is the way to go when caring for a resistant elderly loved one.  Once you understand why he/she is resisting taking a bath you will be able to find a solution and get past it.  If your loved one does not want you helping him/her, try a companion for bathing supervision.  A companion will not do the hands on bathing but will empower your loved one to maintain his/her personal hygiene and get on a bathing routine.