Unaware of own self

[OllieFisher1]

My pop, in a resthome, now seems very unaware of his own self. Biggest indicator is when he is put on the toilet seat by resthome staff which is a big event in itself. Once hes on, he is not aware and is still 'holding it in' so to speak. If we are there visiting, he will say something like "am I on the container", meaning he doesnt want to make a mess and is in he in the right position to go. Sometimes he strips off his pants and nappy in the room - he doesnt push the buzzer and he will potentially go because he thinks he is in the right place. Not sure anything can be done, and I am sure the resthome will adapt, but has anyone else experienced this sort of thing.

[easterncedar]

Yes to confusion and discomfort and lack of awareness about how to manage this basic function. It seems sadly common.

[Malteaser12]

Hi, my mum is aware of herself and the problem but she cannot work out how to use the toilet. She knows she needs it, knows where it is but will not know what to do or where to go once she’s in the room. When directed and helped with how to sit on it she will also say things such as “can I go now” or “am I in the right place”. We’ve not found anything that helps but advice we were given is different coloured toilet seats and a toilet frame.

[OllieFisher1 in reply to Malteaser12]

My dads in a resthome, and the whole toileting thing with him takes some patience........a privilege in a short-staffed resthome. Part of the course I guess........sometimes, I wish he would just use the nappy more.

[Javan]

We found that a set routine and patience worked. You adjust the timings as required, it just takes continual chatter and explanation.

[OllieFisher1]

The resthome staff just will never do that due to ongoing demands from other residents. Some are better than others. Small things are now such big events because of the long time to comprehend.