Person-Centred Care
Dementia and refusing personal care: what might help?
Personal care may feel confusing, painful or intrusive. Explain one step at a time, offer simple choices and respect privacy. Pause if the person is distressed rather than forcing care. Persistent difficulty or suspected pain needs support from an appropriate professional.
You could try: “Would you prefer to wash your hands now or after breakfast?”
Hugo is the guide inside The Dementia Assistant, helping you explore dementia questions in more detail.
General educational guidance, not individual medical advice or an emergency service.
Explore this question with Hugo on The Dementia Assistant®. Hugo can help you consider the topic in more detail: “A person with dementia is refusing personal care. What might be making it difficult, and how can I support them respectfully?”