subject: How To Solve Hygiene Problems Common To People With Alzheimer's And Other Dementias [print this page] Odd or frustrating behaviors around clean clothes, bathing, oral care, hairstyling, and shaving seldom come "out of nowhere." Usually there's a trigger, and ways to work around it.
Possible causes
The person:
* Forgets the task entirely.
* Forgets the complicated steps involved.
* Can no longer identify tools involved (comb, razor).
* May be embarrassed.
What to do
* Let the stylist or barber know the person has dementia when you book the appointment, to allow for extra time.
* Don't try to maintain an elaborate women's hairstyle. Ask the stylist to "accidentally" cut it extra-short, so you can go longer between trimmings. Exception: If a woman has a long tradition of a weekly salon visit, she may get pleasure in continuing. But don't keep it up for her out of loyalty once she no longer seems interested.
* Ask the stylist to shampoo hair first. A professional cleaning and conditioning will feel good and reinforce your efforts.
* Skip hair products (spray, gel, pomade, dye). Fewer steps make it easier.
* For shaving, get the razor and lotion ready and give prompts at each step. Some men avoid shaving because they can't remember how.
* Use an electric razor -- it's less likely to nick.
* Quit shaving and let a man grow a beard.
* Acknowledge efforts: "Your hair looks so nice today."
