Constant changes happen when caring for someone living with symptoms of dementia. It’s not always an easy journey.

Since Fall 2021, we have been supporting Sean and Maddy. Recently, Maddy’s dementia has been showing signs of progressing. Sean needed help with some creative solutions to get him through the day-to-day.

Maddy started leaving soiled toilet paper sheets scattered on the bathroom floor instead of in the toilet bowl. This new behaviour is causing her already exhausted husband to pick up after each visit she made to the toilet.

Secondly, Maddy had been refusing to wash her hair. Sean has been complaining that her hair has been smelly and greasy.  Frustrated, tired and at a loss, Sean was open to exploring creative strategies. 

Our Simple Solutions that Worked  

If we cannot change the behaviour, perhaps modifying the environment would be a more helpful and effective response to  altered behaviours due to dementia.

In this case, we suggested to Sean to place an open garbage pail next to the toilet. Even with Maddy’s advancing dementia, she may still be able to recognize a garbage pail. When she sees it, she may be prompted to put the used toilet paper in the open garbage pail instead of on the floor.

Sean tried it and it worked!

From Smelly and Greasy Hair to Chic and Stylish  

Sean informed us that Maddy enjoys going to the hair salon to get her hair done every month. This appointment included a shampoo wash. We suggested the idea of a weekly appointment with the salon to get her hair washed.

This simple alteration in schedule worked!

Instead of the daily stressful experiences, Sean managed to turn things around and make it easier for him and give a relaxing experience for his wife.

Have you had similar challenges caring with your loved one? Share with us your story by writing in the comments below. As family caregivers, sometimes it’s not always easy to see that simple solution in front of us, especially when we are experiencing caregiver burnout. Perhaps there are simple ideas that we can support you with. We would love to hear from you.

Disclaimer

This story is based on a real client’s dementia journey although the names and details have been modified to preserve confidentiality and protect privacy. Our “Meaning Behind the Behaviour Stories” are meant for informational purposes and to share best practices in dementia behaviour management. Each person is unique and what may work for one person, may not necessarily work for another. 

If you are in need of advice on understanding ways to have successful interactions with the person you are caring for, contact us for our no-cost 20-minute phone or Zoom consultation for new clients. We cannot responsibly give advice over text or email as each case is different. We want to provide you with the most appropriate and personalized dementia solutions you and your loved one deserve.