Alzheimers Disease: Caring For Your Loved Ones Personal Needs

Hair Care and Shaving

• Try washing the person's hair in the sink, especially if the person prefers baths to showers.
• If your loved one is able, a trip to the salon or barbershop may be a fun and positive experience.
• Try using a dry shampoo if the person is bed-bound or fearful of having his or her hair washed.
• To reduce the risk of cuts, use an electric razor for shaving, especially if the person is taking blood-thinning medicines [such as Coumadin (warfarin)].

Dental Care

• Brush the person's teeth daily. If the person wears dentures, clean them every day. Check that the dentures fit properly, and examine the gums for sores or areas of redness.
• If the person refuses to open his or her mouth, try brushing only the outside of the teeth. Ask your dentist for advice on providing good dental care.
• If the person brushes his or her own teeth, help by putting the toothpaste on the brush.

Using the Toilet

• Install safety features in the bathroom, such as grab bars and raised toilet seats.
• A bedside commode or urinal may be helpful if getting to the bathroom, especially at night, is a problem.
• Schedule routine bathroom visits to prevent accidents.
• Tell the doctor about any loss of bowel or bladder control. These problems may be symptoms of conditions that can be treated with medication.

Reviewed by the doctors at the The Cleveland Clinic Neuroscience Center.

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