5 Hygiene Tips for Seniors with Dementia

When seniors are coping with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, daily tasks that were once so simple and quick to complete, like getting dressed for the day, can become exhausting. If you are the sole caregiver for your loved one with dementia, keeping up with their daily hygiene can often be a frustrating battle. Fortunately, there are ways to make this process easier for you and your loved one. In this article, our memory care team in NJ has compiled tips to help caregivers better manage their loved one’s hygiene.

1. Establish a routine for getting ready. Creating a consistent daily schedule for your loved one with dementia can benefit you both. Maintaining regular times for bathing, grooming, and other hygienic tasks can help reduce confusion and resistance. One way to help solidify a routine is by placing visual cues, such as a picture of a toothbrush on the vanity mirror, to guide your loved one through getting ready for the day.
2. Simplify their living space. A clutter-free and organized living space can enhance their understanding of hygiene habits and make the process less overwhelming. Start by minimizing the number of toiletries and select products with clear labeling and recognizable scents. Then, reduce distractions in their home to promote better concentration. Who can concentrate on anything with a blaring TV in the background?
3. Encourage independence. Although seniors with dementia may struggle with certain tasks, promoting independence whenever possible is essential for maintaining their dignity. As mentioned above, break down activities into manageable steps and offer gentle reminders (like picture cues) when needed. Many seniors (with or without dementia) have a hard time accepting help and feel more confident when they can handle something on their own. If your loved one with dementia is still capable of personal care, let them take the reins.
4. Put a focus on oral hygiene. Most people don’t like going to the dentist, as oral hygiene is often overlooked. Encourage regular brushing and flossing to keep their teeth in good shape. If your loved one struggles with these tasks, consider using an electric toothbrush or providing a little support if they miss a spot.
5. Maintain a balanced diet. Proper nutrition is vital for maintaining good health and hygiene. Make sure your loved one is eating a balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains – as well as drinking enough water to stay hydrated. Monitor their eating habits and be mindful of any difficulties they may encounter.

How an NJ Memory Care Program Can Help

A professional memory care program at an assisted living community like UMC at Collingswood can be a valuable resource for your loved one with dementia. Our Tapestries Memory Care offers a comprehensive approach, focusing on the unique needs of each person with dementia. We understand that dementia is not one-size-fits-all, so we don’t enforce universal schedules. In our memory care wing, your loved one can eat when hungry and sleep when tired, all while receiving the daily support they need. Tapestries also provides engaging activities to stimulate cognitive function and promote overall well-being. By enrolling your loved one in our care, you can alleviate the daily battle with hygiene – all while knowing they are in a safe, nurturing, and engaging space.

Memory Care for Seniors and Support for Caregivers in Camden County NJ

Coping with your loved one’s dementia behaviors is a hard task, and one that shouldn’t be handled alone. One of the best ways your loved one can manage their confusion, agitation, and anger while maximizing their cognitive abilities is through professional memory care at a reputable senior community. At UMC at Collingswood, we have memory care specialists on site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide support for dementia residents. Collingswood’s Tapestries program emphasizes diffusing negative dementia behaviors and engaging residents in exercises to strengthen cognitive function and enhance quality of life. Our specialists are also available to answer any questions you or your family may have, and to ease any stress about your loved one’s transition into the Tapestries memory care neighborhood.

If your loved one is showing early signs of dementia, please call 856-369-3092 to find out how we can successfully meet their needs and support your caregiving journey. To learn more about Tapestries memory care in Camden County, please contact United Methodist Communities at Collingswood or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/collingswood/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/collingswood/blog/5-hygiene-tips-for-seniors-with-dementia/