How can I stop my husband with Alzheimer's from urinating in crazy places at home?

A fellow caregiver asked...

Urinating sometimes in crazy places, baskets, on walls, on furniture, random unexpected places. Cant lock every door in house but bathroom. Why and what suggestions?

Expert Answer

Brenda Avadian, brings knowledge, hope, and joy to family caregivers for loved ones with Alzheimer's and dementia. She cared for her father with Alzheimer's and helps families one-on-one and in groups. She is the author of eight books, including the pioneering memoir "Where's my shoes?" My Father's Walk through Alzheimer's and the Finding the JOY in Alzheimer's series. She presents vivid, compelling, and funny keynotes to both professional and family caregiving audiences.

When a loved one has Alzheimer's, impaired judgment makes it increasingly difficult to redirect one’s urge to urinate in appropriate places.

One pre-dawn morning I found my father sitting on the top-loading washing machine with his pants pulled down about his ankles. Fortunately, he hadn’t done anything (yet) and felt relieved to learn there was an easier-to-sit-upon-throne upon which to do his business.

Since Alzheimer’s prevents your husband from learning, the two options that remain are always following in order to redirect him to the toilet or starting him with incontinence undergarments.

As you try both options, keep tabs on when he takes liquids and how long after he has the urge to urinate. If you can anticipate his schedule, this will help reduce your time spent cleaning.