I recently discovered my 98 year old mom was a foster child in several families, and probably was never provided proper hygiene training in the female area. Now in her late nineties, with dementia, and suffering with recurrent UTIs, I am finding it next to impossible to retrain her with front to back wiping. Another problem she has is left over urine in the bladder. I have exhausted sources, her personal physician, a urologist, various supplements including D. Mannose, pumpkin seed extract, female probiotics, cranberry and pomegranate juice. The main problem is she has a hard time remembering. Any advice or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
If diapers, change more frequently.
Check to confirm the U T I. is cleared by lab test, after finishing the antibiotic.
Ask the doctor to test for other infections or yeast.
Treat for Candida after taking antibiotics. Is she itching/scratching
Use a bidet less wiping. Keep the area dry.
Do use wipes, not toilet paper. But use wipes free of perfumes.
Do not trust the patient to be able to NOT FLUSH the wipes.
Have the patient drink enough water, all day. Never allow water to be restricted because it will be inconvenient to have to use the loo.
Shower or clean the area daily, rinse well with hand held shower. Dry by
blotting towel, or even a slightly warm hair dryer. Imo.
So many doctors are not in favor of the antibiotic Cipro. Ask for something else.
I would caution that UTIs can lead to sepsis and organ failure