Page 70 - Dementia-Care-Specialist-Toolkit

Alzheimer’s Caregiving Tips
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DRESSING & GROOMING

When people feel good about how they look, they often feel better. Helping people
with Alzheimer’s disease brush their teeth, shave, put on makeup, and get dressed can
help them feel more like themselves.

MOUTH CARE

Here are some tips to help the person with Alzheimer’s care for his or her teeth
and mouth:

• • Show the person how to brush his or her teeth. Go step by step. Remember to
let the person do as much as possible.

• Brush your teeth at the same time.

• Help the person clean his or her dentures.
• Ask the person to rinse his or her mouth with water after each meal and use
mouthwash once a day.

• Try a long-handled, angled, or electric toothbrush if you need to brush the
person’s teeth.
• Take the person to see a dentist. Some dentists specialize in treating people
with Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s Greater Los Angeles can you with dentist
referrals. Ask the dentist how often the person should be seen.

OTHER GROOMING

Here are some other suggestions for grooming:

• Encourage a woman to wear makeup if she has always used it. If needed,
help her put on powder and lipstick. Don’t use eye makeup.
• Encourage a man to shave and help as needed. Use an electric razor.

• Take the person to the barber or beauty shop. Some barbers or hairstylists may
come to your home.
• Keep the person’s nails clean and trimmed.

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