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A myALZteam Member asked a question 💭
Florida, NY

My husband goes to the bathroom in his clothes (feces or pee). He doesn't want to take a shower or changes for days. When I try to help him he gets very angry. Doesn't matter how I address him.

December 10, 2023
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Answer Summary

Members offered heartfelt support to someone struggling with their husband's refusal to shower or change clothes after bathroom accidents, a... Read more

Members offered heartfelt support to someone struggling with their husband's refusal to shower or change clothes after bathroom accidents, a challenge many described as one of the hardest parts of caregiving. Several members shared practical strategies that worked for them, including bringing in outside help (especially male caregivers), switching out clothes while their loved one sleeps, showering together to preserve dignity, using bribes or incentives, and asking doctors about medications to reduce anxiety and aggression. A recurring theme was the emotional toll of balancing love and frustration, the trial-and-error nature of finding the right medication, and the deep hope that speaking gently, staying patient, and leaning on community support can make these incredibly difficult moments just a bit more bearable.

A myALZteam Member

Maybe a med change/ addition would help anger. Can you bribe him. My husband does not shower but about every 4 days. Wears and sleeps in same clothes. I ignore it now until he smells bad, then I tell him if he showers we can go out for a treat he likes. Good luck.

December 10, 2023
A myALZteam Member

Have you thought of having a male assistant come over and help him take a shower?

December 10, 2023
A myALZteam Member

we are starting a new medication tomorrow. Hopefully this will help me. God bless you guys. I have to wait 7 days to see if the medication work. I will let you know how it goes.

December 12, 2023
A myALZteam Member

Thank you. Now that I hear from you guys make me feel better. I have an aids 4 days a week and with her with me we take turns to see he does change. Sometimes work sometimes don't.
Thank youuuuuu.

December 12, 2023
A myALZteam Member

I don't know what I'd do, I like what AnneRanne wrote, to try and get someone to help. If that happened to my husband, I don't think I could keep taking care of him.. But I am not in your situation.

December 10, 2023

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