Caregiver Tip - Mirrors and Dementia

Every now and then I will post short tips, techniques or strategies about caring for an aging adult.

Quite often those with dementia lose the ability to differentiate between what they see in the mirror (themselves or you) and reality. What they see in the mirror is another person . . . or even a crowd. Would you be eager to take your clothes off and bathe or use the toilet in front of a stranger who is inexplicably standing in your bathroom staring at you? I thought not.

Cover all the mirrors with a towel, small sheet, or pillowcase (depending on size) and see if that makes a difference. If it does, think about installing a roller blind or a mini blind above the mirrors that you can raise and lower. This is easier to manage when other people use the bathroom. They can easily raise the blind to use the mirror, and it can be left down the rest of the time.

Don't forget the small mirror on the medicine cabinet and the makeup / shaving mirror, etc. If there is anything that reflects in the tub or shower, remove it.

This small trick often reduces the degree of challenge involved in combining dementia and the need for hygiene.

Contact HeartWarming Care if you need help from caregivers for your aging loved one in the University Place and Tacoma area. We are dedicated to providing quality and affordable home care. Call (253) 460-1574.