Alzheimer's disease: Personal care

People with Alzheimer's disease have special needs that can pose unique challenges for their caregivers. Depending on their level of independence, people with Alzheimer's disease may need help with personal care activities, including eating, bathing, shaving, and using the toilet. To assist with these activities, caregivers need knowledge, skill, and patience.
Following are some tips for caring for your loved one's personal needs:
General tips
Establish a routine. Schedule grooming activities for the same time and same place each day; for example, brush the patient's teeth after meals, or schedule baths for the mornings or evenings. Choose the most relaxed time of the day for bathing and grooming.
Respect the person's privacy. Close doors and blinds. Cover the person with a towel or bathrobe.
Encourage the person to do as much as possible. This will help to promote a sense of independence and accomplishment.
Keep in mind the person's abilities. Give him or her enough time to complete each task; for example, brushing his or her hair or teeth.
Give the person encouragement and support for completing tasks. Acknowledge his or her efforts. "You did a nice job brushing your hair today."
Tell the person what you are doing. "I'm going to wash your hair now."
If the person can dress himself or herself, lay out clothes in the order they are to be put on. Clothing that is easy to put on, with few buttons, is best.
Bathing
A complete bath may not be needed every day. A sponge bath may be enough.
Always check the temperature of the water in the bath or shower.
If giving a bath in the tub, try using a bath chair with handrails. Also, place rubber mats in the tub to prevent slipping.
Make sure the bathroom is warm and well-lit.
Remove or secure throw rugs to prevent falls in the bathroom.
If the person is heavy or can offer little help, special equipment may be needed. Your doctor can give you advice on how to safely bathe your loved one.
Hair care and shaving
Try washing the person's hair in the sink, especially if the person prefers baths to showers.
If your loved one is able, a trip to the salon or barbershop may be a fun and positive experience.
Try using a dry shampoo if the person is bedbound or fearful of having his or her hair washed.
To reduce the risk of cuts, use an electric razor for shaving, especially if the person is taking blood-thinning medicines (such as Coumadin).
Dental care
Brush the person's teeth daily. If the person wears dentures, clean them every day. Check that the dentures fit properly, and examine the gums for sores or areas of redness.
If the person refuses to open his or her mouth, try brushing only the outside of the teeth. Ask your dentist for advice on providing good dental care.
If the person brushes his or her own teeth, help by putting the toothpaste on the brush.
Using the toilet
Install safety features in the bathroom, such as grab bars and raised toilet seats.
A bedside commode or urinal may be helpful if getting to the bathroom, especially at night, is a problem.
Schedule routine bathroom visits to prevent accidents.
Tell the doctor about any loss of bowel or bladder control. These problems may be symptoms of conditions that can be treated with medication.

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