It is common for people with dementia to lose the awareness that they need to upkeep their personal care. They may end up forgetting to bathe and change their clothes. For caregivers and family members, this behavior can come as a surprise and a challenge to deal with.

They are unable to maintain their personal hygiene

They may need assistance in keeping themselves clean, especially if their mobility has been limited. It may be time for you or an experienced caregiver to step in to assist with toileting and bathing. Things that one came easily can become a more complicated endeavor with dementia, so be sure to break tasks such as bathing down into easier steps for them to follow with your guidance.

They may feel a lack of control

Especially if they are at a stage where they need help bathing and changing their clothes, constantly having someone present to assist them can feel humiliating or overbearing. Try to keep note of your patient’s emotional state and be sensitive to why they may be feeling what they feel. See if you can allow them to do a few simple tasks themselves, such as cleaning areas that are easy for them to reach. Give them choices and let them take things at their own pace while encouraging them, such as letting them decide when to step into the shower and whether the water temperature is acceptable (this is particularly important, as dementia may affect a person’s ability to gauge temperature). It also helps to lay out a simple routine and stick to it as their dementia progresses.

They may feel a sense of embarrassment

Always give your patient space and agency when you are able to and it is safe for them. Never rush a patient, and try to make tasks such as changing clothes, assisted toileting, or bathing as comfortable as possible. Continue to give them choices when possible, and communicate in a reassuring, respectful manner with them. If you don’t already know, try to get a feel for whether your patient is able to communicate their needs, or struggles over when to ask for help. This can help you determine the level of reassurance or guidance your individual care recipient needs.

They are unable to process that they are unclean

People diagnosed with dementia, especially Alzheimer’s, may not be able to comprehend that their clothes are untidy or unclean. They can notice an unkempt shirt, or food stains on their pants, but are unable to process this information and continue thinking that they don’t need to be changed or cleaned. One of the causes of this is a condition known as agnosia.

What Is Agnosia?

Agnosia is a rare condition where the person affected is unable to identify and recognize persons or objects. Individuals diagnosed with agnosia may find it quite challenging to process the features of a face or object. Additionally, they may be able to process the features but may not understand what the object is used for. Agnosia can also affect one sensory modality like hearing or vision. For example, it can be challenging for a person with agnosia to recognize an object as a plate or recognizing a sound as a sneeze.

Agnosia can be brought on because of dementia, developmental disorders, strokes, and other neurological conditions. Agnosia can develop due to certain areas in the brain getting damaged like the parietal or occipital lobes of the brain.

Losing independence is a difficult transition.

Ensure that you’re there for your loved one, and empower them through set routines that enable a sense of normalcy and by giving them simple choices that do not greatly detract from your own care capabilities. Dignity is something we all deserve, and ensuring that their self and space are kept clean and tidy is one of the best ways to preserve it for your patient or loved one.

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