BATHING
When bathing is a challenge:

• Make sure the bathroom is warm, inviting and well lit
• Prepare the bath ahead of time
• Put only 1 to 3 inches of water in the bathtub
• Play soft music to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere
• Simplify the task of bathing... one step at a time
• Don’t give a bath every day
• If bathing continues to be difficult, do partial sponge baths daily with a full bath every 3 to 4 days
  
  
   

COMMUNICATION
To communicate better:

• Try to remain calm using a gentle matter-of-fact approach
• Talk with the person in an area that is free from distraction
• Use simple short sentences
• When you need to repeat something you said, use the exact wording as the time before
• Keep the pitch in your voice low (the person can hear it better and will remain more calm)
• Look directly at the person and make sure you have his or her attention before you start

DRESSING
When dressing becomes more difficult:

• Keep the daily routine for dressing the same
• Avoid delays or interruptions in the morning routine
• Make sure the room is well lit and warm
• Label each dresser drawer with a description of contents
• If you lay out clothes, make sure the first item to put on is on the top and the last item is on the bottom
• Try using jogging suits, sweat pants and shirts for easier dressing
  
  
   

EATING
When healthy eating is a concern:

• Provide the person with a good dental checkup
• Improve lighting in eating areas to avoid glares
• Reduce distractions at the table(remove papers, books, shut off the TV or radio)
• Make eating simple by providing finger foods
• Provide meals at regular and consistent intervals
• Verbally guide the person through his or her meals

INCONTINENCE
When incontinence is an issue:

• Have the person use the toilet before and after each meal, as well as before going to bed and after getting up in the morning
• Simplify clothing. Try velcro instead of zippers & buttons, and trousers with elastic waist bands
• Purchase inexpensive washable chair cushion covers. Put them over large garbage bags to waterproof the cushions
• Paint the wall behind the toilet a dark color (dark green, maroon, dark blue) as this will make the toilet easier to see
• Keep a bell or light handy for the person to use if he or she has trouble getting to the bathroom 
  
   

WANDERING
When wandering off is a problem:

• Allow the person to wander about the home, but make sure the environment is safe and secure
• Remove scatter rugs to prevent falling or tripping
• Place familiar objects, furniture and pictures in the person’s surroundings
• Remove items that may trigger a desire to go out such as shoes, coats, hats, and purses
• Take the person out for regular walks
• Camouflage interior doors to match the walls by using the same paint or wallpaper

SLEEPING
When sleeping becomes difficult:

• If the person awakens during the night, check to see if he or she seems too hot or cold
• Limit or discontinue caffeine
• Provide night lights or safety lighting to help lessen confusion
• Play soft relaxing music
• Allow the person to sleep in a chair or couch if he or she refuses to get into bed
• Establish a routine of the person getting up and going to bed at the same time every day
• Try to discourage daytime naps 
  
  
  
  
   

 
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Five Star has the solution for you.

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Montessori-based dementia
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