Toileting

A person with dementia may experience loss of bladder or bowel control (incontinence) for many reasons, such as medical conditions, medications, difficulty getting to the bathroom, or not recognizing the need to use the toilet. You can help with the following strategies:

• Make the bathroom easy to find. Clear the path to the bathroom by removing furniture and rugs. Keep the bathroom door open so that the toilet is visible, or post a picture of a toilet on the bathroom door. Put a portable commode in the bedroom for nighttime use.
• Create a toileting schedule. Take the person in your care to the toilet on a regular schedule, such as every two hours and before meals, bathing or other activities.
• Be alert for signs. Restlessness or tugging on clothing might signal the need to use the toilet. Learn the word or phrase the person uses to indicate the need to use the toilet — which may not be directly related to toileting.
• Make clothing easy to remove. Replace zippers and buttons with fabric fasteners. Choose pants with elastic waists rather than belts.
• Be supportive. When accidents happen, take them in stride. Use encouraging words and avoid criticism.