Dementia and Personal Hygiene

Help with Dementia and Hygiene Issues

As dementia progresses, your loved one may begin resisting personal hygiene tasks. They may forget how to do simple tasks, such as dressing or teeth brushing. In the most severe stage of dementia, hygiene problems will be more evident, and your loved one will most likely be unable to dress, bathe, and groom alone. To ensure your loved one is clean and well-cared for, use simple instructions, keep routines consistent, and keep your loved one’s privacy and dignity intact.

Tips for Dealing with Dementia and Hygiene

Much of managing dementia and hygiene issues comes down to organization and patience. Routines make a big difference. This helps your loved one know what to expect, which takes some of the stress out of completing these tasks. It also makes it easier on family caregivers. There’s no second-guessing when or how often things should happen. The more often you do these routines with your loved one, the more it will become a regular part of their life.

• Bathing and showering: It’s important to insist your loved one bathe on a regular basis. Create a three-times-weekly routine (or whatever you see fit), and let your loved one know, “Dad, it’s time for a shower.” If he needs assistance, use a shower or bath bench and wash one body part at a time, while using a towel to cover other body parts for privacy. Also consider helping your loved one bathe most of the body, leaving more private areas for him/her to finish with a handled sponge if s/he is capable.
• Dressing: If your loved one is able to dress on their own, set their clothes out on the bed so they’re easy to access. If your loved one needs help dressing, there are many ways to maintain privacy while assisting them. Change one piece of clothing at a time to keep as much skin covered as possible, and look down while helping him or her pull on undergarments and pants.
• Daily care routines: Maintaining face and hand washing, hair care, and oral hygiene and dementia can be challenging. Create daily teeth brushing, hair combing and washing routines with your loved one. Make it a habit that after breakfast, the two of you commence to the bathroom for self-care. Help your loved one by mirroring teeth brushing and hair combing, and by keeping any necessary supplies, such as combs, brushes, dental care tools, washcloths, and towels in a convenient place. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Dementia and Hygiene

How does dementia affect personal hygiene?

People with dementia often become confused or forgetful, which can make regular hygiene challenging. In addition, bathing can become difficult, since it’s not uncommon for people with dementia to develop fears around water and bathing. 

In addition, they may need help, but grooming and hygiene are things usually handled privately. It’s often uncomfortable to ask for help with this aspect of life, even if the person knows they need help.

Is poor hygiene a sign of dementia?

Difficulty performing normal daily tasks is among the early signs of dementia, and personal hygiene fits into this category. Difficulty dressing properly for the weather, choosing clothing, and performing general daily hygiene tasks are common late-stage Alzheimer’s symptoms.

Professional Hygiene Help for People with Dementia

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be challenging for both the affected person and the caregiver. You don’t have to handle it alone. With Homewatch CareGivers, you’ll find professional, compassionate caregivers who can help with dressing, hygiene, or other dementia care issues while maintaining the person’s dignity. We develop a custom care plan to meet each client’s unique needs, and we update those care plans as the person’s condition and needs change. Plus, our home care technology – Homewatch Connect™ – provides additional support and assistance around the clock.

Contact Homewatch CareGivers^® online for more information about how we can help. You can also call (888) 404-5191 to schedule a free in-home consultation.