If your parent resists bathing, consider using baby soaps and shampoos. They rinse off easier and faster than regular soaps, won't sting the eyes, and are gentle on sensitive, dry skin, which can be part of aging. If this is still too much water contact -- some people with Alzheimer's or dementia are terrified of water -- try no-rinse soaps and shampoos that you rub on and leave on the skin. They're available at medical supply stores and some drugstores. No-rinse soaps do leave a residue, though, so you'll need to do at least a quick water rinse every now and then.