My 17 year old daughter is mentally delayed, however she is independent in every way except wiping herself when she has a bowel movement. If I am not right there with her to tell her to do it, she will not wipe at all. Then it is a big mess, of course. Can anyone give me some ideas on how to coach her and help her to wipe, even if I am not around? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. :wave:

Have your tried leaving,"baby wipes" in the bathroom. Have her used these instead of toliet paper.

It sounds as if your daughter is a bright girl. The reason she doesnt wipe herself is probably because it's easir not to and she's a little lazy. Maybe a way to encourage keeping clean and wiping herself would be to start a reward system. Tell her that it's important to keep clean so every time she wipes her bum she gets a sticker (Maybe put up a little poster in the bathroom to remind her...she could put the stickers up on that) If she remembers to wipe herself 5 times in a row she gets a small reward.

That is a good one! I may try that for some problem kids i know. THANKS!

On your computer, use clip art to make 3 pictures. One for going to the bathroom, another for wiping everytime ( like TP) then the last for washing your hands. When she does all 3, have her put a sticker on the chart. It will build confidence and may be fun.

Hi,

You also may want to give a call to a local physical rehabilitation or Mental Health agency to obtain some tips on helping with this issue. I used to work in a rehab facility, and this was part of physical and occuptational therapy.

Take care.