Expert: Paula Damgaard - 5/19/2011

Question
My mom has early stages of Alzhiemer's  but she spends a lot of time in the bathroom and uses 3 rolls of toilet paper a day. She has clogged the toilet numerous times. I don't want to upset her but I need her to reduce the usage of the paper. How can I help her?

Answer
Hi Shirley,
First of all make it "your" problem. That you have a problem with the toilet and the paper. Tell her that something is wrong with it. Then go buy flushable wipes and only put out a small amount!  Tell her that you have to use these cause the plumber says so.
This will not only save your toilet but will also help keep her clean which will be a problem later in the disease.
Doing it this way helps keep her feeling good about herself. Anything you can do to make a change and put the "blame" on you will make your life easier as well.
I hope this works for you. It did with my mom. I was the "dumbest" person while she was alive! But she stayed happy and that was my goal!
Good luck and make time for yourself!
Paula