My dear friend has a husband who has last stages (I think that is her term) of dementia. He is in a nursing home. She said he keeps his hands in his diaper and sometimes when he has a BM he smears it on his head and anywhere else available. She called me in tears last night asking did I know what she could do. They have mentioned "restraints" and she is horrified even though she didn't question exactly what that meant. I admit, it horrified me at the time although I didn't tell her this....it also brought home the fact that my own DH has advanced dramatically and might someday be in the same position. I didn't sleep well last night thinking about all this and decided to ask you if anyone had experienced this or might know anyone who has. This is so sad.He's only 70. Thank you for any help.
Jackie-welcome to the forum. As to restraints in a nursing home-no way-illegal. Your friend's husband isn't the first to do what he is doing. It is up to the staff to be more vigilant. One piece underwear would help to keep his hands out of his diaper. I'm sure others will be along to offer suggestions.
http://www.buckandbuck.com/ good place to start looking
There are one piece garments you can purchase that have the openings in the back. I remember seeing them in some catalog. I am sure you can google adaptive clothing for AD patients and get some ideas.
this is not uncommon to have this happen. first off maybe make sure there is nothing on his privates that may be causing him to want his hands in the diaper, ie rash, fungal infection, etc. itching can be a major issue with some diapers and or lack of changing promptly urine can sting and itch if left unchanged. in NH sometimes the staff isnt as prudent in getting them changed as frequent/fast as needed. its shouldnt be a task knowing that he has had a BM. they can smell it and 'know' he needs to be changed. -using the tab style diapers and one that fits his body is imperative to keeping their hands out and contents in. try different brands to get a good fit. the tena or depends in my opinion are best for us. pulling the tab around the waist tight and securing with a good tape giving it a strong bond but not uncomfortable may help to keep the hands out of the diaper. the key to this is being vigilant and changing him promptly. i would have a talk with the supervisor at the NH and try to work out a schedule for this. like the others mention there are special underwear you could try. then again i guess it should be mentioned that some AD patients become sexually hyperactive and you may want to speak with his dr about this if all else fails. there are meds that curtail the hypersensations. divvi