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Caregiver Tip Sheets
Toileting
People with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can have accidents
when they want to go to the bathroom.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
ALLOW TIME & BE POSITIVE
• plan for extra time… be patient… don’t rush
• stay calm and use a gentle voice
• give one step directions — “let’s walk this way, let’s come in here”
WHY DOES • think about if the person is embarrassed to get undressed in
THIS HAPPEN? front of you or a person of a different sex
People with Alzheimer’s KEEP THINGS SIMPLE
or dementia might:
• find clothes that are easy to take on and off, such as pants
with an elastic waist or Velcro instead of buttons
• have poor control of their
body functions • try to seat the person closer to the bathroom so they don’t
need to walk as far
• be taking medications • keep a light on in the bathroom so it can be seen when needed
that cause them to
urinate a lot • use a toilet seat with a bright color so that it can be seen easily
• install a raised toilet seat and grab bars – some individuals
• forget what the bathroom feel like they are falling when sitting down on a low toilet
and toilet are used for
• remove anything that looks like a toilet, such as a trash can
• feel embarrassed and
ashamed to ask for help KEEP A SCHEDULE
• create a regular schedule for using the toilet: when they wake
• might not be able to find up, before and after meals, and just before bed
the bathroom in time
• limit water and other drinks close to bedtime
• might not be able to
remove their clothes ACCIDENTS HAPPEN
in time • be understanding when accidents happen
• stay calm and comfort the person if they are upset
• be prepared with supplies, such as extra clothes and wipes
• if accidents happen suddenly or more often, talk with their
doctor about possible reasons — for example, a new medication
844.HELP. ALZ
AlzheimersLA.org or an infection may cause this to happen
© 2018 Alzheimer’s Los Angeles
Supported by DHHS, ACL (#90AL0002-01-00)
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