The dreaded poo problem - help!

[PatsyAnne]

Hi all. I don't post often but I read all the posts every night - as sleep is a luxury. I find now that I need advice.
I live with my husband who has frontolobal dementia in a two bedroom housing association flat exclusively for dementia sufferers and wives/carers if the residents have one.
Today my husband had a rather nasty poo accident but walked it all over the bedroom carpet before I realised what he'd done. He's not incontinent so its a mystery how this happened.
The problem is I can't get the stains out of the carpet and I've tried steaming, carpet shampoo and hot soapy water none of which had worked. In fact its spread the stain. Have any of you wonderful people on TP have any tried and tested tips. I can't get rid of the carpet as its part of the fixture supplied by the HA. If I can't get it out I might try hiring a carpet shampoo machine.
Anyway sorry this was so long winded. Love, peace and best wishes to all TPers. PatsyAnne xx

 

[2jays]

Sorry no one has replied.

No experience myself but seem to remember a thread about the same problem you are having.

I think animal carpet cleaner was suggested.

I will try and find a thread and put a link here

http://forum.alzheimers.org.uk/show...=742752&highlight=Cleaning+carpets#post742752

 

[susy]

My dad is a bit of a muck spreader at times too. My mum bought a carpet washer, if this is an ongoing thing you might want to invest in one. The thing with a cleaner it washes through a stain and sucks it up rather than basically rubbing it in. That's the only help I can give I'm afraid. I often use the animal products or biological washing detergent on soiled carpets, they are the best at taking away the smells.

 

[Pheath]

Dear PatsyAnne
Really sympathise as when dad lived at home we had regular accidents although replaced a lot of the carpet eventually with lino which made things easier. You could try OzKleen carpet power spray. I can't 100% guarantee it'll get rid of the stain completely but from what i remember it worked fairly well for us. Hope you find something that works and it was a one-off. Best wishes

 

[rajahh]

I have recently bought Aggies probiotic carpet and upholstery cleaner. Not had to use it yet, but read about it somewhere.

Aggie is one of the presenters of how clean is my house or a title similar to that.

 

[PatsyAnne]

Thank you for your replies. I'm hoping it was a one off but who knows. He seems to change on a daily basis. Many of the posts could be about Jim re personal hygiene, eating, sleeping and loss of communication. This problem today was a new one and hopefully not repeated. I will try the pet cleaner and if needs be get a carpet cleaner. None of us carers who live here thought that carpet was the best choice of flooring as a lot of the residents are incontinent. There doesn't seem to be a carpet cleaner in the building though. Maybe as its part council they do the cleaning. I know I'm going to rely on the other wiser TPers in the future as there's so much I don't know and at times feel rather inadequate. Reading your posts helps though so thank you all. PatsyAnne x

 

[bemused1]

Thank you for your replies. I'm hoping it was a one off but who knows. He seems to change on a daily basis. Many of the posts could be about Jim re personal hygiene, eating, sleeping and loss of communication. This problem today was a new one and hopefully not repeated. I will try the pet cleaner and if needs be get a carpet cleaner. None of us carers who live here thought that carpet was the best choice of flooring as a lot of the residents are incontinent. There doesn't seem to be a carpet cleaner in the building though. Maybe as its part council they do the cleaning. I know I'm going to rely on the other wiser TPers in the future as there's so much I don't know and at times feel rather inadequate. Reading your posts helps though so thank you all. PatsyAnne x

Whatever you do don't feel inadequate. After being hit with a bomb you just have to pick it up as you go along. Sadly dementia doesn't come with a rule book you just have to adapt adapt adapt. Animal cleaners are the best I've found once you've cleared up what you can but its hard to get rid of the stain completely. As you said, not the wisest choice of flooring!

 

[Kathphlox]

Hello PatsyAnne

We had to get rid of the living room carpet for the same reason. We went for the lino type flooring that they use in hospitals, the non-slip sort, quite smart really, it looked like laminate wood floor. As it turned out, when Dad had to start living downstairs we needed that hard flooring even more as we had to have a hospital bed and hoist, which are very difficult to handle on carpets.

It might be worth asking the question. But if you have to replace like with like, you could go down the route of specialist carpet, I found this in a search. http://www.contract-carpet.co.uk/healthcare_carpet.htm

I'm sorry, but in the end it's not going to get better, it only goes one way

 

[PatsyAnne]

Good morning all. Thank you for your replies and tips. I'll try them all in the hope of success. Its a shame that the housing association didn't take into account the nature of the problems and accidents that dementia brings even though the building was designed and build only for people with dementia. I'm fortunate that I'm able to live here with Jim and have a 24/7 support network on site. Saying that after living here since November I've found that a lot of the design isn't really suitable for the needs of the residents. If I have no joy with the stain removal - which obviously could happen again - I'll have to get in touch with them with the hope of alternative flooring. I must admit when I saw it yesterday morning I was reduced to tears. Yet another downturn in my poor husband. I've lost so much if him so quickly it feels like I've not had time to draw breath. He's still very stubborn though and tries to be independant and I do try to let him but there are times when I feel sad that he rejects my help. He agrees with all I say then completely ignores it. Dementia is the worst illness I can think of and I so admire all the carers that have things worse than me. Thank you for your help. PatsyAnne x

 

[Pheath]

I know how upsetting it is when things take a downturn, this area is the one that we all dread happening as it does increase the level of care & vigilance needed. Have to agree about dementia being one of the worst illnesses ever, it’s often so drawn out and you feel powerless to change the outcome. We’re 12 yrs in and know my still mum misses dad as he was dreadfully and it’s impacted very badly on me too; even now I often feel tearful after visits to the care home. I do hope some of the remedies suggested help or alternatively the HA accommodate with better suited flooring. It’s really good you’ve got a good network/ community enabling you to live together even if the building isn’t quite ideal. Px

 

[PatsyAnne]

Hi Pheath. I'm sorry your Mum is suffering at the virtual loss of your Dad. Its so sad that in our 'golden years' the love and companionship we expected at the beginning is no more. It doesn't stop us loving them but its heartbreaking non the less. I am fortunate to have the flat and the support system. Adult services take me out for a break although I am able to go out daily which I do but its nice that the council actually look after the carers too. The other residents with dementia are all such wonderful people and I've got to know them.
Obviously its sad too. If I could have one wish granted it would be that dementia was eradicated worldwide and no-one had to watch loved ones suffer. I send love to your Dad and to your mum and family too.
Here's to a good day for all. Pat xx

 

[Pheath]

Ah, thanks so much Pat, think my wish would be the same as yours – it’s such a devastating illness and unless you’ve gone through it, it’s impossible to know. Wish we’d had the opportunity of keeping dad at home but it wasn’t an option in the end. Good moments are so few and far between these days as he’s very advanced but nonetheless when they arise we hold onto them like gold-dust. Do take care and am glad you’re getting the support you need too, carers are so often overlooked and it’s the hardest job in the world. Px

 

[LYN T]

Hi Patsyanne

As far as carpet cleaning goes I scrapped up as much as I could Then I used a solution of 1/3 white vinegar and 2/3 water and blotted it on the carpet, then I used a small brush and worked it in from the outside of the stain to the middle. The carpets did smell a bit like a fish and chippy but open the windows and it soon goes.(Better that the smell of Poo anyway)

In the end though I had to put down laminate as in the middle of the night (which is when Pete used to mainly 'go') it was exhausting me.I realise this isn't an option for you but maybe the powers that be would be sympathetic.As previously posted you can get some very good vinyl which is a cheaper option and it looks just as good.

I feel very sad for you as this is one of the worst areas to have to deal with.

Take care

Lyn T

 

[PatsyAnne]

Hi LynT. Thanks for the tip. I'm going to get some white vinegar and give it a try. The trouble was it wasn't solid so much harder to clean. The smaller areas have started to go after a few cleans but I suppose I wanted an immediate clean. I love him to bits but this was one of the things I was dreading.
I'm not sure if its par for the course but he immediately denied it was him. There was no point in telling him otherwise but the incident itself upset me as it was another loss of his abilities. He's now very childlike but sometimes I feel at 66 myself I'm too old to take on another child. Saying that I'd rather have him how he is than not at all but its still very hard and worse of all tiring. He naps for England all day but come night time and he's very active. Oh well that could change too I hope.
Thank you for taking the time to reply and I'll certainly give it a go. Love to all Pat xx

 

[LYN T]

Hi LynT. Thanks for the tip. I'm going to get some white vinegar and give it a try. The trouble was it wasn't solid so much harder to clean. The smaller areas have started to go after a few cleans but I suppose I wanted an immediate clean. I love him to bits but this was one of the things I was dreading.
I'm not sure if its par for the course but he immediately denied it was him. There was no point in telling him otherwise but the incident itself upset me as it was another loss of his abilities. He's now very childlike but sometimes I feel at 66 myself I'm too old to take on another child. Saying that I'd rather have him how he is than not at all but its still very hard and worse of all tiring. He naps for England all day but come night time and he's very active. Oh well that could change too I hope.
Thank you for taking the time to reply and I'll certainly give it a go. Love to all Pat xx

Just a thought. Sometimes when the poo isn't solid it can be caused by constipation and the poo is causing a blockage. As the poo won't move further poo is squeezed out in liquid/less solid.My husband suffers from this and has to take meds. Is your Husband in pain? Could be worthwhile keeping an eye on how solid he is when he does make the toilet. Sorry for graphic description.

Take care

Lyn T

 

[PatsyAnne]

Hi LynnT. He does get constipated but takes lactulose as prescribed by the GP. It was as you say the overflow but he didn't seem constipated just reluctant to go. Fear of being constipated I guess. He's on liquid mementine which I think can cause constipation. He still gives the impression he's in control when clearly he's not. He also gets very defensive and doesn't like my help. He's 73 and in some ways quite old fashioned about females helping him. Obviously its not something that I want to do but I want to help him as much as I can. He knows me but not in the same capacity as before. I'm no longer the wife just a familiar face. He has had the problem to a lesser degree but never left the mess like this time. He was pacing so was making a mess. Of course he has no idea he has dementia. He was only diagnosed in May last year after being hospitalised with a UTI and dehydration. Within 48 hours he'd gone from driving, banking and walking to not knowing who I was and worse not knowing his full name or date of birth. He never came home from hospital and was in a care home until we moved here. Its really sad how fast some sufferers deteriorate. I just hope he remains stable for a while longer.
Sorry Lynn I'm rambling. Thank you for caring it helps enormously. Love Pat x

 

[LYN T]

Hi Patsyanne

Your story is very similar to mine and Pete's. He was diagnosed July last year after spending time in a Mental Health institution. While there I was told a brain scan that he'd had nearly five years ago now showed signs of dementia. At the time the consultant said there was nothing wrong with him An updated scan last year confirmed he already had moderate AD (now progressed to severe). Last Xmas he was again sectioned for violence/hallucinations and he too went to respite while I moved house! My Husband stopped knowing who I was last October-although he generally recognises me when I visit him in his CH (been there since June).

Incontinence is one of the more difficult things to deal with (along with sleep deprivation) so I feel very sorry for you and hope that last night was more peaceful for you.

Take care

Lyn T

 

[PatsyAnne]

Hi Lynn. Firstly I'd like to ask how your Pete is today? I still can't believe how fast things change with this horrible disease. Things can change literally overnight. Jim is like your Pete - he knows me but not for who I am. Luckily he still trusts me where he doesn't trust 'strangers' which means almost everyone else.
I did manage to get 5 hours sleep last night so I feel a bit better today. I hope you managed to get some sleep too and that things are better for you today.
I must admit to feeling very lonely at times as Jim is spending more time in his bedroom 'away from it all'. I think although he's unaware he has dementia he knows things are not the same and he feels safe in his room watching his tv.
Thank you for the replies and the stains are fading slowly. I hope you e had a. Alm and peaceful day. Love Pat xx

 

[midlandslassie]

I was about to post a new thread about Mum's " exploding bowels" when I spotted your thread. How I sympathise!Mum lives with me and it's been particularly awkward recently as I've had ankle surgery so am non weight-bearing but get around using a knee trolley and/or crutches. Family are coming in to help but I do as much as I can although I get very tired. She's had the occasional episode of involuntary evacuation in the past but 2 since last week (the second today). Her bedroom carpet is fast heading for the tip as its taken the brunt of the damage but today she also managed to decorate the hall carpet. Fortunately I was able to phone for sisterly help to deal with not just the carpets but also cleaning up Mum who became highly uncooperative and smearing pooey hands everywhere and vehemently refusing to stay in the bathroom whilst we tried to clean her up. And what a mess there was to clean! I'm sure that despite the AS she felt upset and embarrassed by the situation. And who wouldn't be? It takes 2 of us to clean her up now-we have to be quite forceful on these occasions although we are upset that we have to take this line . I do agree with the constipation theory but can't help worrying that any form of laxative will make matters worse!Will try and see if I can up her fibre intake although she refuses to eat so many foods that she once loved. Last week I was so exhausted by the time I got into bed that I couldn't summon up the energy to get hysterical when the cat brought a field mouse in !!! Watery poo has really stained the carpets despite trying a variety of cleaning regimes and the smell never really goes so maybe I'll have to get vinyl for her bedroom at least, though I'd rather have something more welcoming in the hall. I do hope you manage to keep smiling Patsy Anne. There's nothing pretty about this aspect of dementia but there's brilliant support from other carers on this site.

 

[PatsyAnne]

I'm so sorry to hear that you're experiencing the same problem. Its horrible but it seems its a problem that a lot of us carers have. I have health problems too - mainly an arthritis spine so hands and knees on a carpet isn't helpful. I must admit the stains I had have almost gone. I used carpet shampoo and a scrubbing brush and kept toting with kitchen roll. The worst thing is that Jim won't let me help him and is adamant he hasn't done it. He is taking Exiba which can cause constipation so his consultant prescribed lactulose which is a stool softener rather than a laxitive. Thankfully he's been ok since this post but that's not to say it won't happen again. The latest fight is trying to get him to change his clothes. Its always a new and difficult challenge but I'm so thankful that there's always someone here day or night to offer advice or a sympathetic ear. I do hope you get better soon and that your problems ease. Its a long hard road eh! Take care. Love and hugs.
Patsy Anne xxxxx