For a person with Alzheimer’s disease, mundane tasks like bathing and dressing can be difficult. They may require help in additional areas of personal care as well. Not only is good hygiene important for health reasons, but it also helps to maintain the person’s pride. At the same time, caregivers may need to remind patients to do these daily tasks, which can cause them to lash out at the caregiver or become defiant because they feel as though you are taking over their independence.

In the very early stages of Alzheimer’s, helping your loved one with their personal care needs will probably not be difficult. Preparing meals for them or helping pick out clothes are not particularly taxing on a person. Later on in the progression of the disease however the responsibility and amount of care they need can become a heavy load. As the degree of independence declines, he or she may need help bathing, using the bathroom, shaving, getting dressed and eating. MAS Home Care can help by supplying the level of home care Rhode Island clients with Alzheimer’s disease need. Not only does MAS assist home-bound patients with disabilities and chronic illness, but we specialize in Alzheimer’s and dementia care. This means you can trust us with the personal care of your loved one and can be assured our caregivers will help to maintain their dignity.

We are only a call away, but in the meantime here are some tips to help you with the personal care of your loved one:

1. Establish a daily routine for grooming. Try to follow the person’s past routines if possible. If Dad showered every morning around 7:00, then try to stick with that.
2. Respect their privacy. Make sure doors and blinds are closed and they are covered up with a towel or robe when not in the shower, just as you would do for yourself.
3. Remember that even simple tasks like brushing teeth or combing hair may take longer. Don’t expect it done in 2 minutes.
4. Provide healthy foods. Good nutrition can help cut back on confusion and boost energy.
5. Allow your loved one to do as much for themselves as possible. This may mean making accommodations like laying out clothing without buttons or zippers, preparing a lot of finger foods, or purchasing special tools to help them with daily tasks. The more independence they have, the better.
6. Provide a lot of encouragement and compliments. By saying, “Mom, I really like that outfit you have on,” it will encourage her to keep up her appearance.

When you are ready to receive that extra assistance, contact MAS Home Care.