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Hi all. I'm at the end of wits here so wondering if anyone has similar experience with their LO.


My mom has early onset Alzheimers, very advanced. She is not incontinent and generally knows how to go to the bathroom when she does go. The problem is that she's been outright refusing to go! She goes by herself once a day but she will go like 24 hours without. I try to take her and tell her she needs to but she throws a fit. She drinks plenty of water and the rare times when I've managed to convince her, she did need to go so she's definitely holding it in.


I know this can result in a whole bunch of problems but I just don't know what to do. Any thoughts on what can help?

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Adding to CWillie's suggestion, add an incentive - a drive someplace if you're in a geographic area and it's feasible, or out to get an ice cream cone (Dairy Queen was always a good incentive for us!), or listening to a favorite CD to relax her before and after?

I used to bring fresh flowers for my mother, and gradually switched to artificial ones, which I'd bring out from a stash in another room, when I felt some flowerly encouragement was appropriate (regardless of the situation).

Is she afraid of falling?  If so, there are bars (like the stripper bars) that can be installed to provide something to hold onto.  There are also winged toilet seats, and commodes, although the commodes don't provide that much safety. 

Is the bathroom warm enough?   If there are drafts, or it's cold, that would be a disincentive.  Can you think of anything else that might make her uncomfortable in the bathroom?
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My mum had Alzheimer’s and wouldn’t go to the toilet, she had a catheter put in. It’s like the brain stops sending signals to various parts of the body.
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I'm impressed she can hold it in, I know I couldn't anymore!
Try making periodic bathroom visits part of the daily routine, start by guiding her to the bathroom to wash up before meals and have her use the toilet "since she's there anyway"... the frequency can be increased gradually as she gets used to your prompting and the idea of you helping her.
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