Dad has Alzheimer's and has a colostomy bag. Lately, its been difficult to cajole him into letting us empty or change his bag. Any ideas on how to calm him when changing the bag?

Pops has had his "Tommie" bag for nearly a decade and his cognitive ability has been deteriorating for about as long. Over the past two years, we've successfully taken over management of Tommie. Lately, as Pops' Alzheimer's progresses, it's become increasingly difficult to cajole him into letting us empty or change his bag.

Tactics such as making sure all his other needs are met before addressing Tommie, playing music, singing while working, offering chocolates, etc., are certainly helpful but are becoming less effective on their own.

Please let me know how to make the process less frightening for Pops. He doesn't recognize us anymore and he doesn't understand what we're trying to do for him.

I'm looking forward to hearing solutions from this wise and loving community.