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She cares for herself, bathing and dressing. I help her choose her clothes because she can't see. I don't want to make her feel like she can't take care of herself, although the cleanliness is a problem on several levels. I would appreciate any suggestions for ways of helping her.

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As previously mentioned, Please I beg, do not put those wipes in the toilet even if they say they are flushable they are not and will cost you tons of money. DH is a plumber and we make our living unplugging houses where they insist on using those things. In our house there is a lined wastebasket next to the throne just for such items. No hair or dental floss either folks! That is my public service announcement for the day :)
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There are flushable wipes on the market, you can get them at Walmart. A moist wipe might help with the cleanup better than dry tissue.
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Are you sure it's vision that is causing the failure or is she forgetting to give it much attention. Just curious.

If it's the the vision, then I agree that wet wipes are good as long as she will remember to throw them in waste basket. I saw a report on tv that certain wipes will dissolve in pipes, but others will clog it eventually.

There might be more ideas from associations for the blind. It must be a common problem.
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Talk to your plumber about bidet attachments for the toilet. Get the warm water type if you can, it's a lot nicer.
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Thank you for the above suggestions. I've used a small bottle filled with warm water and pour the water over the anal area, after which it cleans easily using only toilet paper which can be discarded in the toilet.
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Only thing with the flushable wipes, they will eventually clog up the pipes.... one would need to wrap them up and toss out in the trash.

Those wipes are pretty nice.... I have an older heavy cat who just can't reach clean herself, so I use those wipes.
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There are assistive devices on the market to help wipe after a BM. Has she been evaluated for a neurological disease/disorder? Her lack of attention to hygiene could be a sign of dementia. Also, dementia causes visual field narrowing, so it is harder for them to focus on a wide angle.
Mom's sign of this was not noticing the approaching fork or spoon when we try to feed her.
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Let her make the decision to start.'Would you like me to finish off Mom? or Would you allow me to help?"
If she is unable to properly care for heself in other ways you just have to step in and do it for her. She will get very sore very quickly if feces are allowed to remain on the skin. Let her wash what she can reach and then wash her back for her and that way you can get at the poopy area. not always pleasant so get some gloves. No choice really but you can aproach it nicely. You know your Mom best. You can get one of the warmer used for baby wipes too. Pam's idea of a bidet attachment is the best but may be expensive.Colin's dedicated sponge and bowl caomes a good second on the list. I wish we could get detol in the US it smells so nice and fresh.
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I started using a spray by Coloplast on my mom after we discovered it in rehab. I spray it on a baby wipe. It smells good and really helps keep her clean. When she was in the bathroom , I would just stick my head in and say, I'll give you a quick wipe when you're done. I didn't take no for an answer and she just started accepting it. Haven't had a single UTI since I took over that job. A pain, but better than another doctor visit.
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We have been using the Kirkland brand (COSTCO) wet wipes and haven't had a plumbing problem yet. It has helped with her being better cleaned even though she tears the sheet in half (she is from the depression years and we cannot get her to stop doing that with all paper items). I will look into adding the bidet attachments.
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