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After rinsing his mouth and brushing his teeth, what else do I have to hide? What other behaviors like this are common? We are in assisted living. Not much else around and meds are locked.

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Would it the right place to share that my old dad once confused toothpaste and hemorrhoid cream in the worst possible way. (I tend to stick funny things in in case a little laugh might be enjoyed. Please let me know if I should stop.)
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I've read on the forum of people trying to eat inedible objects they have mistaken for candy or food and I think it's fairly common that any king of soap, lotion or cream might get used inappropriately. You might need to keep an eye on your toilet paper and tissue supply because at some point people seem to hoard it or stuff the toilet. You really just have to be vigilant and aware of where he is all the time because he has the mind of a toddler with the strength and reach of an adult.
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Not to minimize your anxiety about you dear LO behavior but, as I read your post I thought thankfully it wasn't the toilet brush he was using. Most care homes use the standard of if the package or container says "keep out of reach of children " or "call poison control" lock it up. I thought that was a bit extreme, then the horror stories started. Now I am a firm believer, lock it up. Be very happy that he is interested in personal hygiene, so many loose that. Maybe keep a toothbrush and some toothpaste (maybe a child's brand) right visible for him.
God Bless You and your husband on this most difficult journey.
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Remember when your two year old proudly announced he had eaten all his vitamins--and he had climbed 6 feet to get them? In many ways, you are dealing with a child who won't recall any correction you attempt. It makes me angry to think that at 85, a good surgeon could make me look 30 but can do nothing to make me recall what day it is. I wish I could help. We need to get our priorities in order and do something to stop this disease. Anne1933
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My dad brushed his teeth with his coffee the other day and insists on using a toilet cleaning brush (not one used for the toilet, as of yet) to scratch his back. Tons of dead skin and discolored lying on his nightstand. Gross. And I don't think he really has dementia much, I can't figure it out since he's always done abnormal things.
Good luck miw, hug💜
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I can make sense of the after shave - just - presumably he mistook it for mouth wash. But what on earth was he doing with the toilet paper?

Lock away all cleaning products, he could do himself real damage with those; also antiseptic lotions and creams, anything that really mustn't be swallowed. But most toiletries, like soap and shower gel, should be safe enough even if they do make him froth at the mouth alarmingly.

Is he even noticing these errors? Demanding to know why you've switched brands, anything?
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Does your Assisted Living community have a Memory Care unit? It sounds like he will need that sooner than later.
In the mean time you should try to get all the things he needs together before so that he does not have to try to figure out what to do.
If you take all the steps that must be done to get ready in the morning it is a wonder we can get everything done.
If his toothbrush is a light color like the counter and tiles you might want to get a brightly colored one so that it stands out. Even if you have one of the electric ones wrap a piece of red electric tape around the handle so he can see it easily. Same with the toothpaste. White toothbrush, light colored toothpaste tube white counter all blend in and it makes it hard to see things.
Also if you have not run into this problem yet it might be wise to try to get him to sit on the toilet when he has to urinate (if he is still continent) it is safer and less likely to miss or drip.
Also if the glass door on your shower has a bar on it you might want to think about replacing the door with a curtain. The possibility of using the bar on the door as a grab bar is great and they are not sturdy and can cause the door to shatter.
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When I began caring for my elderly Aunt with severe Alzheimer's Dementia, I finally began to truly understand the depth of her disease. I had no idea that she was able to walk and talk and have conversation yet her drawers were filled with soiled underwear, mail, photos, socks filled with peanuts and or cookies. After cleaning up I had several bizarre incidents and now supervise her at all times by using Samsung Smartcams. One to record at all times in the bedroom and it will just record over once full. This way I can review the camera if a diaper goes missing. One is pointed at the bathroom door is set to alert and record "events" and my phone goes off so I can go and supervise anything happening in the bathroom. Before those cameras, I was overwhelmed. Panty-liner being used to brush teeth, antibiotic cream as toothpaste another time, pulling out the inside of Depends if soiled with bare hands and then wearing the shell. And the worst is yet to come... Thanks everyone for helping me to realize I am not alone on this unexpected journey.
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meallen--LOL; don't worry, you're fine! Sometimes we have situations so frustrating we need assurance that we're not alone and we need to be able to laugh. One time my mother and I saw my grandfather walking around with a crowbar when he said "I was constipated and needed to get a tool" --and then we felt free to laugh only after we learned he only meant he was going to use it to unblock the toilet! (By the way, was a simple oral explanation sufficient to rectify your dad's confusion?)
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Well this was a serious question. I learned a few things, got some ideas, and had a good laugh! I love not being alone here!
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