2020 is officially over and not a moment too soon. Bid a not-too-fond farewell. Start 2021 off in good spirits. There is light at the end of the Covid tunnel which we have been in for nearly a year. Vaccines are being distributed and we will soon be able to be with our loved ones, in the same room, celebrating all that we’ve had to sacrifice during 2020.

Last year was a reset for a many of us. We learned to take our time, appreciate the people in our lives, and the small things we have we have taken for granted. January sets the tone for the rest of the year. Let’s all take the lessons we’ve learned through one of the toughest years of our lives and apply it going into next year.

Here’s to 2021 being an amazing start to many years to come!

Dear Catherine:

My mother has dementia and is refusing to bathe. She used to love taking showers and now resists. She locks herself inside the bathroom and wont let anyone inside. What can I do?

Dear Care Partner:

This is not unusual with dementia and I understand can be very frustrating. Often times, those with cognitive decline will become confused and suspicious about the source of their shower water. Think about standing under a shower head having water come out of a wall and splash all over you. For someone with dementia, this can be frightening hence the resistance. If you are with your mother, try creating a calming environment in the bathroom, perhaps lighting a lavender scented candle, using a space heater if safe to make the room warm, and using a warm towel placed in the dryer to towel off. As silly as it may sound, singing a song together like, “Singing in the rain” or something that will take your mothers mind off of the experience may be helpful. Become creative.
If these suggestions do not work and are greeted with increased anxiety or agitation, STOP. Try again later. The time of day to shower does not matter. If no resolve, allow your mother to give herself a sponge bath while in the bathroom privately. A sponge bath counts. Keep trying.

Do you have questions about how to help your loved one? Please don’t be shy. We are here to help!

Brain Fact
Brain FactMemory is a stored pattern of connections formed by the brain’s neurons also known as nerve cells. A chemical neurotransmitter released by one neurons signals another. Each point of connection is called a synapse. The average adult brain holds trillions. Memory capacity: Brain is up to 1,000 trillion synapses. Library of Congress print collection 32 trillion bytes. Personal computer 100 billion bytes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product of the Month

Prevent accidents in the bathroom with a raised toilet seat with safety rails.

Having a proper raised toilet with safety rails helps to prevent falls and provides the older adult with stability when transferring to and from the toilet. Using a raised toilet seat with safety rails ensures that one can maintain independence in the home.

Older adults can utilize this product without needing the assistance from a family member or caregiver.

You can find a raised toilet seat with safety rails similar to the one pictured at your local medical supply store, or online at popular websites like Amazon.