Grooming

If personal hygiene and grooming get neglected, look for ways to simplify the process.

Try this:

1. Try a simple haircut that is easy to manage
2. Switch to an electric razor which has less risk of cuts and is easier to hold
3. When helping with grooming tasks, move slowly and explain what you are doing in a calm voice so that you don’t startle them
4. When washing the face, consider cold creams or disposable face wipes that have cleanser already in them – it will reduce the number of steps needed to finish the task
5. Try oral swabs if brushing becomes too difficult

Since some patients with FTD are physically capable of performing these tasks, caregivers are often frustrated by the neglect of personal hygiene. One strategy may be to reward the person for completing a grooming task with a favored item or treat.