Assisting with Personal Hygiene

This section offers helpful suggestions for providing personal hygiene care to individuals with dementia. Keep in mind that everyone is different - what works for one person may not work for someone else. Make a note of the ideas which you think may work well under your particular circumstances.

Oral Care

  • Upon diagnosis, take the person with dementia to the dentist for a complete check-up. This will allow any problems to be identified and dealt with as soon as possible, as dental work may become more difficult in the future as dementia progesses.
  • Schedule the dentist appointment at the time of day when the person is at their best. For many people, this would mean a morning appointment instead of the afternoon.
  • When you phone to make the appointment, ask the receptionist if the office can help ensure the person you are caring for doesn't have a long waiting time.
  • When assisting the person with brushing their teeth, give simple step-by-step instructions or guide the person's hands. Your approach will depend on what is suitable for the individual.
  • Be patient. Use a gentle approach and explain why you are doing each step.
  • Try a non-foaming toothpaste to ease the brushing process.
  • Brush your own teeth at the same time. This will give the person visual information about what to do.
  • If the person is resisting your assistance with brushing, take a break and try again later when they are more relaxed.
  • If the person wears dentures, consider purchasing a spare set. This will help if the person loses their dentures.

Hair Care

  • Choose a hairstyle that is easy to maintain and does not require a significant amount of styling.
  • Encourage the person to brush their own hair. They may require step-by-step instructions.
  • Brush your own hair at the same time. This will give the person visual information about what to do.
  • If washing hair is stressful for the person, try a dry shampoo to limit the frequency of this task.
  • When visiting the salon or barbershop, let the stylist know that the person has dementia (if appropriate).
  • Find a hair stylist that can provide their service in your home.

Skin Care

  • Clean hands and face with a damp cloth or moist wipe. This may be easier than taking the person to the sink.
  • Use lotion and soap which is in the person's favourite scent.
  • People who are inactive are a greater risk of skin breakdown and bedsores. Help the person move around as much as possible.
  • Give the person a small massage when applying lotion. This can help them to relax.
  • Developing a proper bathing routine is vital to maintaining skin health. Learn more about bathing...

Foot Care

  • Firstly, ensure the person is wearing appropriate and comfortable footwear. Always make sure the person has non-slip soles.
  • Use cotton socks rather than synthetic fabrics.
  • Trim the person's nails after a bath or foot soak, when the nails are soft and easier to cut safely.
  • If you are not comfortable cutting the person's nails yourself, visit a foot care clinic or have a professional provide the service in your home.
  • Check feet on a regular basis. If you notice any cuts, discolouration, callouses, or any other irregularities, talk to the persons doctor.
  • Foot care is especially important for individuals with diabetes. Talk to the person's doctor about special foot care that you may be able to assist with.

Additional Considerations

  •  Allow for plenty of time when providing personal care. Try to avoid rushing the person.
  • Follow the person's previous routine as much as possible. For example, if the person always had breakfast in their robe before getting dressed, continue to have them do so.
  • Encourage independence. Have the person participate in their own personal care to whatever extent they are able. Focus on what they are still able to do on their own.
  • Remember that some days are better than others. Prioritize tasks and only do what is important. Try again the following day.
  • No matter what the task, if you feel you cannot assist the person in a safe and effective manner, consider obtaining some extra help. This can be provided by professional health care providers, or other family members.
  • Bathing is a complex task which can present specific challenges to caregivers. Safety is an big concern when it comes to bathing, and special techniques strategies are important to learn. Learn more about bathing...