Shave, Brush Teeth, Trim Nails and Hair: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we've learned that shaving, trimming nails, brushing teeth and trimming hair - what we’re calling personal care - can become challenging. These challenges often arise around the same time as bathing and dressing difficulties. How we provide support for our loved one will vary based on whether they stay at home during their journey or move into a care community. Not surprisingly, personal care is an area where many tips can be provided! 

Through our experiences, what we've learned from support groups, and others on their journeys, we've developed four initial areas of tips to help you and your care receiver with their personal care.

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Additional Resources Mentioned

These resources contain affiliate links so we may receive a small commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

• Electric razor
• For men here
• For women here
• Oral swabs here
• Super soft toothbrush here
• Fresh Breath mouthwash here
• Electric hair trimmers here

Full Show Notes https://thecaregiversjourney.com/personal-care-four-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/

Takeaways

Understanding Personal Care Challenges in Dementia Care

Tip 1: Mastering the Art of Shaving

Transition to an electric razor as early as possible. 

• Begin your support by prompting and supervising, gradually inserting yourself into the process.
• Try shaving when your care receiver is calm, possibly after meals or during naps.
• Aim to shave men's facial hair at least every other day to prevent discomfort from longer hair. For women, transition to electric razors for safety. Women also tend to become comfortable with letting their body hair grow.
• As early in their diagnosis as possible, get a thorough dental examination. If there is any dental work that's important to be completed, do it while they still understand and can