Everyone knows that when we look good, we feel good. Being put-together makes us feel ready to face the world and gives us an opportunity to show off our personality and style. But for individuals with dementia, it becomes more and more difficult to perform everyday tasks like getting dressed, shaving, brushing hair and brushing teeth. As the disease progresses, the person may even forget the function of grooming objects like a comb or a toothbrush. He or she may wear unsuitable clothing (like a t-shirt in winter), forget to change clothes or not know where items are.
Daily personal grooming is a task that eventually will fall on the shoulders of a caregiver, and sometimes they can find it challenging to learn how to approach such a delicate topic,” says Susan Jackson, Community Relations Director at Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull, a memory care assisted living community in Trumbull, CT. “Grooming and cleanliness are such personal acts that it may feel like an invasion of privacy. You want to make sure your loved one has a sense of dignity and respect, as well as the opportunity to perform tasks that are still available to them. Finding that right balance can be challenging at first, but with patience and understanding, you will find ways to help your loved one look and feel as good as possible.”
Tip #1: Keep it simple.
The most important thing caregivers can do is keep the process simple. By minimizing distractions and making steps as clear as possible, your loved one will be able to more readily remember and follow the actions they need to do in order to stay clean and put-together.
For example, don’t have a lot of objects out on the bathroom countertop. Whenever possible, lay out the items that are needed for the task at hand. Take a look around the area with a “dementia eye” and see what might make the process difficult or confusing for your loved one. If mirrors are startling to him or her, consider removing it or covering it up. Or if the floor is slippery, invest in some non-slip rugs to keep footing stable.
Tip #2: Remember that you’re helping them, not doing it for them.
The loss of independence is a huge blow to seniors, and even if they are in the later stages of dementia, they still have the desire to do things for themselves as much as possible. So when you can, allow your loved ones to perform tasks on their own with you assisting them instead of you taking over and doing it for them. You may have to adapt the process in order to better suit your loved one’s abilities – for example, if Mom wants to put on lipstick but doesn’t have a steady hand, offer a selection of colors and ask her to pick what she wants to wear that day. Or if your dad can brush his teeth but may forget to put toothpaste on the brush, do that step for him before you hand it over.
Remember to always be positive and encouraging and praise your loved one’s efforts (without talking down to them). Provide gentle prompts if he or she becomes confused or forgets steps. You may have to remind them about a particular step, or you may need to demonstrate a task and have him or her copy you.
Tip #3: Reduce the number of steps.
Think about your own morning routine. You probably have a routine that, as you break it down, becomes pretty complicated – even though you can get through it without thinking. As much as possible, see what you can do for your loved one in order to reduce the number of steps they need to take. Try simple, short hairstyles that are easy to comb and require very little effort to style. Provide an electric razor instead of a regular razor that requires shaving cream and dexterity. Clothing can be the biggest struggle, so do your best to provide clothing options that are simple, comfortable and similar. Choose items with elastic waistbands instead of zippers and buttons, and opt for slip-on shoes instead of ones with laces.
Tip #4: Keep the same routine.
Routines are very important for people with dementia (and for their caregivers). When there are changes, it can cause stubbornness, confusion and even more difficulty. So whenever you can, don’t change their routines. Continue the same routines they’ve carried on for many years – if mom has always gone to the beauty salon once a week, or if Dad has always visited a barber for his haircuts, continue to do so (you may want to see if the stylist can come to your home if the experience is too much for your loved one). Use toiletries that are familiar to your loved one, and follow the same process each day so the senior knows what to expect.
Tip #5: Consider a memory care community.
As dementia progresses, your senior loved one will become more and more dependent on you to manage the tasks of daily living, eventually requiring around-the-clock care. You may wish to consider the assistance that a memory care community such as Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull can provide.
“Our community is built exclusively to meet the unique needs of seniors with dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease,” says Susan. “Our professionally trained staff is available around-the-clock to provide compassionate care and assistance to all our residents, whether they are in the beginning stages or very late stages of the disease. Our goal is to provide joy, fulfillment and happiness throughout all stages of memory loss, no matter how your loved one’s needs may change. We also provide assistance and support to family members, helping them through this experience with love and caring.”
Personalized Lifestyle
Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull’s highly specialized, resident-centered BRIDGES® program is a positive, uplifting approach to memory care and wellness that focuses on a resident’s current skills and abilities, not on those that have been lost to dementia.
Each programming plan is as unique as the resident it serves, requiring all Bridges® team members to take an active interest in getting to know each resident on a personal level. Then, accounting for a particular resident’s preferences, interests, needs and abilities, we customize the most efficient blend of expert-recommended care, exercises, activities and communication techniques in order to connect with the individual, encourage their involvement in daily life and create happy, meaningful moments.
Intimate Environment
Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull features four distinct households, each with its own spacious common areas, along with 14 private and two companion suites. Suites feature private bathrooms and walk-in showers.
Each household has a home-like look and feel, creating an atmosphere of warmth, security and comfort for our residents and their families. While furnishings are provided, we encourage families to furnish their loved ones’ suites with favorite possessions from home to help them feel at home.
Featuring stunning residential design that complements the surrounding community, every inch of the interior is designed to benefit those with Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss. Attributes such as soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations create a soothing and secure environment where residents feel comfortable and safe.
Contact us today to learn more.