Care of the elderly with dementia. Hygiene, clothing and food

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ...

• Creating routines is important because it provides safety for people with dementia.
• Meals are opportunities for them to interact socially with peace of mind, so they must be planned well and ensure that they develop in a suitable environment.
• When it comes to bathing and dressing, we must ensure that he has everything at hand, and that he does everything without pressure or haste.

Hygiene

Although for some people hygiene is not a problem, for others it is an uncomfortable and unpleasant experience that produces confusion and fear. That is why it is convenient:

• Plan the bath or shower for the time of day when the person is calmer. Try to develop a routine, calmly and patiently.
• Communicate to her what we are going to do next, step by step, and allow her to do as much as possible on her own, giving her time to do them.
• Prepare everything in advance. Before you start, make sure you have everything you need ready so you don't leave the person with dementia alone.
• Take into account the ambient temperature; if it's cool, warm the room beforehand and keep extra towels and a bathrobe nearby. Check the water temperature before starting the bath or shower.
• Reduce fall hazards by using a phone shower, shower seat, grab bars, and anti-slip rugs or fixtures. Never leave the person alone in the bath or shower.
• A bath or shower may not be necessary every day. A sponge bath may be sufficient for days when you don't have a full shower.

Clothing For a person with Alzheimer's, dressing represents a series of problems: choosing clothes, taking them off and putting them on, difficulties with buttons and zippers, etc. It is important…

• Try to get the person to dress at the same time every day, so that it becomes part of the daily routine. Routines provide security.
• Encourage the person to dress as much as possible. Plan and allow yourself enough time so that there is no pressure or rush.
• Allow me to choose from a limited selection of garments. If the person has a favorite set, it helps to buy several identical sets.
• Store some clothes in another room to reduce the number of options. This avoids confusion and moments of anxiety for everyone.
• Keep only one or two sets of garments in the closet or drawers.
• Organize the clothes in the order in which they should be put on, to help the person follow the steps of the process. Deliver one garment at a time and give clear step-by-step instructions if necessary.
• Choose clothes and shoes that are comfortable, easy to put on and take off. Elasticated waist and Velcro® closures reduce difficulties with buttons and zippers.

Feeding Some people with Alzheimer's want to eat very often, while others need encouragement or help to maintain a proper diet. Meals are opportunities for the person with Alzheimer's to interact socially with ease. It is convenient…

• Try to be patient and avoid rushing, watch for signs of confusion and anxiety.
• Try to establish a quiet, calm and serene environment at meal times, limiting noise and other distractions (for example television).
• Maintain routines at meal times, but adapt the situation according to the needs of the person.
• Serve small portions or several small meals throughout the day. Prepare and keep healthy snacks on hand, foods that can be eaten with your hands, for example. In the early stages of dementia, keep in mind that the person may eat more than they should.
• Choose dishes and utensils that promote independence. If the person has difficulty using silverware, use a deep plate instead of a flat one or offer silverware with wide handles. Use straws or cups with a spout so that the person can drink more easily. In advanced stages it may be necessary to prepare meals that can be eaten with the hands.
• Encourage the person to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day and offer them often to avoid dehydration.
• As the disease progresses, remember that the risk of choking on something increases because the chewing and swallowing mechanism is forgotten. At that time, crushed foods and liquid thickeners may be required.