Have you noticed that your mother, father, or someone close to you has changed a bit lately? Maybe they are gradually avoiding things like bathing, brushing their teeth, or getting dressed cleanly. Or maybe they are not keeping the house they live in clean. This is a common thing that is seen in dementia conditions like Alzheimer's Disease. It is normal for you to feel very sad and worried when you see this. Today, let's talk about what we do at a time like this.
Why do they stop taking care of themselves?
There could be several reasons for this. Simply put,
- Forgetfulness: Due to their condition, they may forget to take a shower or change their clothes.
- Physical difficulties: They may not be able to bathe or change clothes on their own.
- Not seeing it as a problem: Because their way of thinking has changed, they may not see their being dirty as a problem.
This situation is especially challenging if your loved one lives alone, or if you try to help but they refuse.
What do you do if there is a sudden change?
If your loved one suddenly stops taking care of themselves, first check to see if they have another illness or depression. Look for other symptoms, such as fever, chills, cough, body aches, shortness of breath, or diarrhea. A person with dementia may show these signs when they are depressed:
- Sleeping more than usual or not sleeping at all.
- A significant increase or decrease in appetite.
- Loss of interest in things you usually enjoy doing.
If you notice a sudden change like this, it's best to see a doctor right away. It could be another health problem that can be treated.
What are the dangerous situations where we must intervene?
Even if your loved one refuses your help, if their lack of self-care could endanger their life or health, we must intervene. You can see what these situations are in the table below.
| Danger sign | Description and its impact |
|---|---|
| Not taking medication | If you do not take medication for diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure, the condition can become serious. |
| Not eating or drinking | The body can become dehydrated, nutritionally deficient, and weak. |
| Untreated wounds | Even a small wound can fester and cause a major infection. |
| Dirt in the house | Diseases can spread due to the infestation of insects, rodents, and the accumulation of rotten food in the home. |
| Body impurity | If the urine or feces is so dirty that it smells, the risk of skin infections is higher. |
| Home security issues | Piling things like paper near stoves and radiators can cause fires, and cluttering the house can cause falls. |
If you see things like this, it means your loved one needs help. You may even need to get someone to help or move them to a safer place.
How can we help them with love?
This is something that needs to be done very delicately and patiently. The most important thing is to help them in a way that doesn't hurt their self-esteem.
Hygiene and cleanliness
First, try reminding them with love, such as, "Mom/Dad, is it time for a bath?" "Shall we brush our teeth?" If that doesn't work, try helping them by saying, "I'll get some water ready, and we'll take a bath together?" Also, make sure they're dressed appropriately for the weather.
Medicine and health
If they forget to take their medication, you can prepare a medicine box for them, or remind them to take their medication on time. If they need special dietary restrictions, such as diabetes, remove foods from the house that they are not good at eating. It is very important to talk to your doctor about this and ask what the best way is.
Home security
If your loved one has difficulty walking or is afraid of falling, install handrails on the walls in the bathroom. Make sure that the objects they are holding onto, such as tables and chairs, are sturdy.
Always remove expired and spoiled food from the kitchen and fridge. Repair any broken parts in the house. It is also very important to have safety devices such as smoke detectors installed.
It's very important to note that making too many changes all at once, like removing their belongings, can make them nervous and uncomfortable. Therefore, be very careful with everything you do, explain it to them, and get their consent .
This journey is not easy. You too may feel tired and stressed while dealing with these things. Therefore, you should also think about your health. If necessary, ask for help from family and friends. Remember, you are doing a great service.
Take-Home Message
- It is common for people with Alzheimer's disease to forget about self-care and cleanliness.
- If you notice a sudden change in your loved one's behavior, it could be due to another medical condition or stress. Seek medical advice immediately.
- Put their safety first. Always be mindful of medication, food, and home safety.
- When helping, be loving and patient so as not to hurt their self-esteem.
- If you have any problems or need advice, talk to the doctor who is taking care of them. You don't have to face these things alone.
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