Dignity in the Bathroom: Practical Tips for Restroom & Personal Care Challenges in Dementia

Let’s talk about one of the most common, the most difficult, — and the least talked about — challenges in dementia care: bathroom issues.

If you’re helping a loved one who’s forgetting how to use the toilet, having accidents, or resisting help with personal care, you’re not alone. These moments can feel overwhelming — but with the right tools and mindset, they can be managed with compassion, dignity, and even a little humor.

At Dementia Life STL, we’re here for the everyday, behind-the-scenes work that no one sees — but that matters more than words can say.

When the Role Reverses: Caring for a Parent in the Bathroom

Helping a parent with personal care is deeply emotional. You may feel:

• Awkward
• Embarrassed
• Overwhelmed
• Heartbroken
• Guilty
  

You’re stepping into a role reversal most people are never prepared for. You’re doing something intimate and vulnerable — for someone who once did everything for you. That takes incredible strength.

These emotions are normal.

How to Handle the Discomfort

• Name the feeling – “This is hard” is a valid truth.
• Pause and breathe – Center yourself before entering the space.
• Remind yourself of their “why” – The person can’t help the restroom challenges they are facing
• Remind yourself of your ‘why’ – Love. Loyalty. Compassion.
• Use humor when appropriate – It can diffuse tension and create connection.
• Seek help and community – Find others who are also on a journey of caring for someone with dementia and lean on each other.

You are allowed to feel uncomfortable and do the hard thing anyway. That’s courage. That’s caregiving.

Why Bathroom Challenges Happen

Restroom needs often become more complex as dementia progresses:

• Memory loss – Forgetting where the bathroom is or when to go
• Mobility issues – Trouble getting there in time
• Communication – Inability to express the need
• Visual/spatial changes – Bathroom doesn’t “look right” to them
• Incontinence – Can increase over time
  

Sometimes, people simply get distracted or can’t process the signals their body is sending them.

8 Caregiver-Approved Tips That Work

While restroom challenges may never go away, there are some things you as a caregiver can do to make it easier.

1. Create a Routine

We can’t stress enough how important a daily routine is in dementia care! Someone with dementia is typically unable to guide themselves through a path that includes the daily essentials for wellness – nutrition, hydration, movement, and restroom needs. It’s SO important to encourage bathroom visits every 2–3 hours, even if they don’t ask. Try:

• First thing in the morning
• Before and after meals
• Before bed
• Before leaving the house

When eating, hydration and movement happen close to the same times every day, restroom needs become more predictable too – which will make it easier on everyone involved!

2. Make the Bathroom Easy to Find

• Leave doors open and lights on
• Use clear signage with images
• Consider motion-sensor lights at night

3. Improve Visibility & Comfort

• Use a brightly colored toilet seat to increase visibility
• Add non-slip rugs, grab bars, and a raised seat
• Remove clutter to prevent confusion and distraction

4. Simplify Clothing

• Elastic waistbands
• Velcro closures
• Avoid belts, zippers, and buttons

Quick, easy removal makes success more likely.

5. Use Incontinence Products with Confidence

Adult briefs, pads, or pull-ons can make life much easier. Choose what fits their level of mobility and dignity.

When to Change Briefs:

• After a bowel movement or major leak
• Every 2–4 hours during the day
• At bedtime and first thing in the morning
• Anytime they feel wet or uncomfortable

How to Change Briefs:

1. Gather supplies – Gloves, wipes, barrier cream, clean brief, disposal bag
2. Offer privacy – Close doors, speak reassuringly
3. Clean thoroughly – Wipe front to back, gently
4. Check skin – watch for redness, rash, open sores, blisters, skin breakdown in folds or pressure points
5. Apply barrier cream – Helps protect skin
6. Dispose discreetly – Use a scented or sealed bag
7. Wash your hands and breathe – You just did something loving

6. Approach and Respond with Calm and Kindness

Accidents are inevitable, and in these deeply vulnerable moments, it’s so important to prioritize dignity. 

Say:

“Let’s get you cleaned up. You’re okay.”
“It’s no big deal—we’ll take care of it.

Avoid:

• Shaming
• Rushing
• Scolding
• Showing frustration or disgust

Be mindful of their history. Some individuals living with dementia may have experienced trauma earlier in life — such as abuse, neglect, or assault — that they cannot express or recall clearly. Being touched or exposed during personal care can unknowingly trigger fear or resistance.

That’s why gentleness matters:

• Announce each step before you do it
• Ask permission, even if they can’t respond with words
• Make eye contact and offer reassurance
• Use slow, calm movements to maintain trust

Your respectful, patient approach helps restore a sense of safety and dignity — especially for someone who may no longer be able to ask for it.

7. Plan Ahead When Out

• Pack a “go bag” with extras – briefs, wipes, and dry clothing
• Know restroom locations
• Use companion cards to discreetly explain behaviors if needed

8. Talk to the Doctor

Significant bathroom changes can signal:

• UTI
• Constipation
• Medication side effects
• Dehydration
• Other medical conditions

Keep a care log of changes and concerns, and bring them to the care team.

It’s Not About Control—It’s About Compassion

These challenges aren’t a sign of failure on the part of the person with dementia OR on the part of the caregiver. They’re part of the dementia journey—and you’re doing something extraordinary by showing up with care and consistency.

Every trip to the bathroom, every changed brief, every awkward moment—you are preserving their dignity and meeting a need with love.

That’s what caregiving looks like.

Final Encouragement

This is sacred, quiet work. It’s not always talked about, but it’s deeply human.

If you’ve ever wiped tears while wiping someone clean — you’re not alone.
If you’ve ever felt like you couldn’t do it, then did it anyway — you’re not alone.
If you love someone through the hardest parts — you’re a hero in plain clothes.

At Dementia Life STL, we’re with you. And we’re so proud of you.

👋 Share Your Tips!

Have your own bathroom-care hacks or wisdom to share? Send them to contact@dementialife.care — you never know who you’ll help.

AboutMary Stoinski

Mary Stoinski is the Executive Director of Dementia Life, a Missouri-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting seniors living with dementia and their caregivers. She is a certified Dementia Practitioner of Montessori for Dementia through the Association of Montessori International and has years of experience developing memory care training and programs in the corporate senior living sector. Mary has also served as a certified trainer for the Crisis Prevention Institute and as a community educator for the Alzheimer’s Association. She is deeply passionate about honoring and supporting seniors and the caregivers who walk alongside them.