How to Help an Elderly Person With Toileting

A lot can depend on the conduct of a helper. All senior people, especially those suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s, will be sensitive not only to the words but also to the non-verbal gestures that their caretakers exhibit. When the elderly are using the toilet, showing any sign of frustration, disgust, or even boredom will leave them feeling more humiliated than they will have been to begin with, gradually resenting having to use the bathroom thanks to associating it with a sense of wariness, fear, and anger. This should be avoided at all costs. For any further assistance to be effective, caregivers must behave in a way that encourages the elderly to be accepting of help. Keeping a respectful distance whenever possible is important, but not at the cost of appearing dismissive.

There are few things more private in life than using the restroom, and anyone would feel embarrassed or humiliated were they to find themselves in a position in which they needed assistance. For this reason it is vital for the caregivers to maintain a gentle, understanding, and respectful attitude while providing the necessary support.

A lot can depend on the conduct of a helper. All senior people, especially those suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s, will be sensitive not only to the words but also to the non-verbal gestures that their caretakers exhibit. When the elderly are using the toilet, showing any sign of frustration, disgust, or even boredom will leave them feeling more humiliated than they will have been to begin with, gradually resenting having to use the bathroom thanks to associating it with a sense of wariness, fear, and anger. This should be avoided at all costs. For any further assistance to be effective, caregivers must behave in a way that encourages the elderly to be accepting of help. Keeping a respectful distance whenever possible is important, but not at the cost of appearing dismissive.

But caregivers should remember that while their help may be necessary to support the assisted in getting to the toilet, many senior people are capable of finishing the most private part of the process on their own. As long as they wear loose pants with elastic waistbands it will be fairly easy for them to tug the clothing out of the way without help, and if it’s not absolutely essential to provide a watchful presence, then privacy should be maintained. There are noninvasive solutions that can alert caregivers or family of an emergency.

By pushing a wearable alert button, the help center is immediately contacted and a trained operator is ready to call for assistance from anyone on the customer’s contact list or to dispatch the paramedics. A fall detector goes even further to ensure assistance since it will alert the service provider even if the wearer is unable to move. Everyone on the list of trusted caregivers will be notified of the accident as well, including the person that might be standing right outside the door, guaranteeing help with minimal delay.