Water works

daughter

Registered User
Mar 16, 2005
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Back in June this year, there was a question regarding how to deal with someone using the corner of the room to urinate.

http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/talkingpoint/discuss/showthread.php?t=1680

Unfortunately (and ironically) this is now happening to my Dad. He has done this for a few nights, (so I haven't suggested the bucket idea yet), but it is also happening during the day. Yesterday, at the Home, he went off to find the toilet but Mum found him, about to relieve himself, in the corridor. Mum is concerned he will have to start using incontinence pads, but he is still fully aware that he needs to go, he just can't necessarily find the toilet. Anyone have any ideas?
 

Kathleen

Registered User
Mar 12, 2005
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West Sussex
Hello

Maybe you could try making posters to point the way to the toilet with arrows showing which way it is and a big sign on the toilet door.

Worth a try,maybe.

Kathleen
xx
 

Brucie

Registered User
Jan 31, 2004
12,413
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near London
At Jan's home they put a picture with a cartoon of a toilet on the door. Never seen anyone using it to find the way, though.

Sorry I can't be more helpful!
 

CraigC

Registered User
Mar 21, 2003
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London
At a few homes I visited they used one colour for toilet doors (usually yellow), you could perhaps post a piece of yellow card on the toilet door to see if it helps. You could also make a habit of taking dad too the loo at specific times in the day (say on the hour) - that way there is less chance of having an accident and being caught short.

The pads will make life a lot easier and if you go to a specialist shop they should have comfortable pads with elasticated pants to go over the top - better than getting down on your hands a knees twice a day cleaning the floor. Does you dad show any discomfort before going to the toilet (e.g. agitated more than usual and walking around looking for something) - if so it would be worth making sure that everyone looks out for the signals and then leading dad to the right place. Just thinking he may be getting cut short and just going somewhere out of desperation.

The pads are not as bad as they sound and could be used as a backup early on.

Good luck
Craig
 

daughter

Registered User
Mar 16, 2005
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Thank you for your responses. Dad's Home does have yellow signs on the toilet doors, I think it's as you say Craig, that he's just 'going somewhere out of desperation'. I visited today and spoke to the Head Nurse, who said that they will be taking Dad to the toilet more often, (although he may not want to go, and then ten minutes later, he might :eek: ). She also said they would leave Dad's toilet door open at night, and the light on, which should help him to head in the right direction!

The Head Nurse spoke of my Dad as a very private man and he may not take too kindly to incontinence pads. She's quite right. Despite Alzheimer's and all the unfortunate consequences, there is still a quiet dignity about my Dad. A gentleman through and through. Love him to bits. It's comforting to know that the staff know my Dad so well.
 

jc141265

Registered User
Sep 16, 2005
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Australia
Staff knowing your Dad

That is comforting that the staff realise that about your Dad isn't it? My Dad too is/was a very dignified man and that was part of the horror of him getting this disease, he had always been so independent, so in control, always had the answers to everything. We always knew we didn't have to worry about anything because Dad could fix everything! :) He was also always a very private man when it came to toilets and bathing.

Sorry i couldn't offer advice to your post, Dad became incontinent so fast that he didn't go through the stage your father has, one moment he was going to the toilet okay the next he was wetting and dirtying himself without even looking for a toilet. :( I did read your post though and wondered if perhaps I'm right in suspecting that Dad still understands the feeling of needing to go to the toilet even if he can't work out what to do. I often notice him walking up to doors and then pushing his pelvis forward and slightly lifting his shirt which he grips at these times and then not long after sure enough he needs to be changed. I wonder perhaps he's doing what your Dad does, but is unable to express himself as obviously?

Sorry again I couldn't be of any assistance. Thinking of you.
 

Lynne

Registered User
Jun 3, 2005
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Suffolk,England
Mine too ...

"My Dad had always been so independent, so in control, always had the answers to everything. We always knew we didn't have to worry about anything because Dad could fix everything!"

My Dad died from cancer in 1978, but what you said could have been written about him too. Don't we just take such treasures for granted, until one day it's too late :( I thought cancer was the worst thing that could happen, until recently. Sorry to be miserable, I'm a bit down today.

Lynne
 

CraigC

Registered User
Mar 21, 2003
6,633
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London
Hi Hazel,

It is surprising how things change though, sometimes for the better. I was surprised that my dad has now started going up to staff in his new home and asking if he can go to the toilet, something he never did before. Dignity is very important at every stage - glad your home recognises the importance of it.

Good luck
Craig
 

Norman

Registered User
Oct 9, 2003
4,348
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Birmingham Hades
Although we are in our own house Peg still cannot always find the way around.
Night time I leave the toilet door ajar and the light on,it's worked so far.
Hazel I wonder if there is anything that would prompt Dad to go through a particular door.
I recall an ex international foot ball player who later became a manager.
H e had AD some doors were marked for him as players dressing room and one as chairman's office.
Just a thought.
Norman