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sandiw Asked June 2015

How do you teach an adult to wipe their bottom?

My sister Lynne moved in with me last week. She'll be 60 years old in a week. She's been living on her own and held a full time job for 36 years. Apparently my parents were not paying too much attention to her lifestyle. She's not retarded but a little bit slow and has verbal aphasia.

When I went to do the laundry I noticed every last one of her panties are stained with poop. Big time stains. Thankfully, I've never noticed any bad smells coming from her probably because she showers every night.

Can someone help me and give me some ideas and advice on how to teach her to wipe her butt properly?

sandiw Jun 2015
Thanks so much to all that have answered.

Freqflyer, she's always done her own laundry and apparently 'skid marks' is the norm. I don't think she has aches or pains in her shoulders but she is bordering on obese ... something I hope to change as I slowly change her diet which is horrifying - almost all processed food.

Ilovemom, I've considered moist/baby wipes. I think I'll definitely get some and tell her to use those after she finishes using the toilet paper.

Cwillie, I already decided to get her some panty liners and see if that helps but I'll certainly have to impress on her that the liners and wipes don't go down the toilet.

cwillie Jun 2015
I'm wondering if there are some incontinence issues going on, a relative of mine leaves skid marks every time he passes gas or exerts himself. If so she should be speaking to her doctor about it to find the cause, it's definitely not normal in a 60 yr old. If she has any physical impairments that make it difficult to reach and wipe there are devices to help with that. And wearing a light incontinence pad or pantie liner would enable her to freshen up through the day and help with the laundry issue.

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IloveMom Jun 2015
Get Baby wipes, bit remind her they have to be tossed out. Suggest to her, to make she is thoroughly clean to, use one after she is done and toss it. Maybe this will help. Tuggaboos,

freqflyer Jun 2015
Curious why your sister doesn't do her own laundry... then maybe she will notice the problem... of maybe that is how it always has been for her, and in her mind the washing will take care of the issue.

At 60 years old, does she have any aches and pains in the shoulder/arm area where it could make it difficult for her to "reach" her bottom?

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