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Hello wonderful supporters.
Does anyone have any ideas on how to keep my mom from washing out her Depends. You know how they leave that horrible gel mess/blobs. She is in AL now w/dementia and though I remind her all the time wear them and throw away (put up signs, which come down). Common I know, but she can't remember. Before AL in Feb, she was used to handwashing her underwear, socks, bras, etc. at home so, that has been a repetitive behavior from the past. When I saw the mess yesterday from washing out DEPENDS yet again, I was like, just let me buy her a large pack of underwear and let her wear those. She is semi-incontinent. She gets to bathroom most of the time, and then there have been some messes back when she was living alone, there will be some again. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Judy, I am thinking it may be time for accompanied visits to toileting?
I am here worrying about that awful gel and the plumbing issues. It can really clog things.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to AlvaDeer
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Buy her incontinence underwear which IS washable instead of Depends.

https://a.co/d/0cHIPog1

Get mom into Memory Care Assisted Living if she's not already there. The caregivers toileted my mother every 2 hours in MC.

Good luck to you.
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Reply to lealonnie1
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Instead of using Depends that are thrown away, there are actual underwear that are designed to absorb urine and period blood. These underwear are then washed and reused. One such name brand is Knix. There are also washable and reusable diapers.

Go online and check out a few. Your mother will be able to wash these out in the sink without making a mess or causing any plumbing issues.
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Reply to BurntCaregiver
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I agree with the washable undies thing but in reality she is less and less able to learn how to do new things, no matter how simple they seem to us. She can't even retain what she has known all along. Don't invest too heavily in those undies, just in case.

Does her AL have "a la carte" services, like hygiene assistance? I wish you success in finding the right solution.
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Reply to Geaton777
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The next thing will be trying to flush them. Mom is no longer safe for AL. She needs bathroom assistance. It might be time for MC
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Reply to MACinCT
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