How can I get my mother to start using more toilet paper when she goes to the bathroom?

Hi Janine

I can offer you no solutions. Your mother's short term memory is affected by Alzheimer's disease enough for your prompts to be of little help. If your father is unable to escort her to the bathroom then there is very little you can do to resolve this problem.

The only cheap answer I can think of is to have a cleaner go into their home on a regular basis, keeping it as clean as is practical. If this is combined with your father's and your input, it might help keep her out of a nursing home for a time.

Sorry I cannot be of more help

Christine

I am really sorry about what happened to your Mom. Since she has had AD since 2002, I would think she is progressing. At some point, you cannot expect her to do that. She would need a caregiver next to her to tell her what to do and give her the toilet paper. My FIL may still use the toilet paper but not properly any more. He has to be told to wash hands and use the toilet paper or not to touch the dirt in the toilet. In fact, when it is needed, the caregiver wipes him and he cannot do that properly because he does not understand why he needs to clean or wash. You may need to find a caregiver to help out if your Dad is not well.

Nina

Hi Janine,  I wasn't going to answer this post after reading the other answers... and then I had a thought.  My idea is untried, so I can't tell you that it will work.  Here's my theory and idea:  If your mom grew up during the Great Depression, she may have been concerned about conserving resources, including toilet paper.  Looking at that single roll of toilet paper on the wall may, in her mind, be all that there is.  She may be trying to "save" it.  Perhaps some visual reinforcement that there is plenty of toilet paper and no need to skimp, may be helpful.  I know that this is a "stretch", but there aren't a lot of other ideas to try, either.  Besides buying the double-sized rolls from now on, I would add another conspicuous wall mounted toilet paper dispenser or place the bulk package of it in plain view from the toilet.  Perhaps adding some rolls to the top of the tank would help, too.  Some stores also sell a freestanding toilet paper holder (about 24" high including the base) that can be positioned on the floor anywhere near the toilet (not a good idea if falls are likely).  For lack of any other ideas, these are some inexpensive things that you could try to provide visual stimulus of "plenty" and maybe get results.  It's a tough problem when memory is the issue.  If you do try this and it works, let us know!  Good luck! -- Joe 

I think the extra TP is a great idea. My grandmother and FIL both have a toilet paper obsession.  I am just now having the same problem with my 46 yo SIL. More TP will not help her though. I hope it worked for you.

Hi Janine

It might be a good idea to have a doctor check that your mother is not constipated or have other bowel prblems that lead to problem. If she is uncomfortable or having bowel problems it may be causing or contributing to her 'hygeine' difficulties.

Christine