Hygiene issues

Posted by pattyinal @pattyinal, Sep 9, 2019

Does anyone have suggestions for how to get your MCI loved one to shower, brush teeth, etc., when he thinks he did it already?

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I’m interested in any and all responses as I have this same trouble with my sister. Please give me something that works.

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Hi @sallysue and @pattyinal I am sorry to read of your struggle with this. I know this was a struggle for both my MIL and my wife at a certain time in their journey. I know each patient and their journeys are unique so I can only offer what I experienced and hope it might be of help.

The only thing I found that helped with this was to establish their hygiene routine at the same time as mine so we could do it together. I also made sure to accomplish this portion of our daily routines at the same time of day everyday. This was the only thing I found that insured this got done each day. It also became just one more routine part of our day we did together, like meals, medications, etc.

I also put something important before it and after it. For a little while this helped with recall of having actually done it, but that reinforcement only worked for a short period before other memory issues interfered.

Strength, courage, and peace!

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Hi Patty,
I was my mom's caregiver for 8 years. The issue of problems getting her to take a shower and brush her teeth would arise, then subside for a while before resurfacing again. It's very frustrating! There are many reasons this can happen. Alzheimer's patients can become afraid of water. Sounds crazy, but it's true. I was given suggestions like wait a few minutes, then try again as they won't remember that you just asked. You can warm up the bathroom with shower steam to make it more comfortable. You can promise a bowl of yummy ice cream AFTER she showers, as you are leading her in to the bathroom. As for the teeth brushing, I bought some toothpaste in a flavor for kids. Bubble gum or something. For some reason, that worked pretty well. Also, instead of having her stand at the sink, I held a bowl up to her to spit in. She was going through a time she didn't like running water. I hope that helps a little. Good luck!

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My mom hates the shower or bath now....I’ve taken to sponge baths and bathing wipes....that helps a lot. It seems some Alzheimer patients become fearful of the sound of water and the feeling of it on their skin. I always try to have the bathroom warmer for her. It’s always a challenge.

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@providence1960

My mom hates the shower or bath now....I’ve taken to sponge baths and bathing wipes....that helps a lot. It seems some Alzheimer patients become fearful of the sound of water and the feeling of it on their skin. I always try to have the bathroom warmer for her. It’s always a challenge.

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Because showering brought us both to tears (and sometimes shouting) I've also decided to do sponge baths and to use baby wipes on armpits and when wiping after toileting.

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Hang in there. Usually it's a phase and she will be more cooperative later. We hope!

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