Mom is 88 lives in ALF as "independent," not really though. She is not diagnosed but definitely has issues. She has a "stalker" who knocks on her door and rings jingle bells at night. She recently went to the ER for Covid and a nurse noticed when she went to the bathroom she put her dominant finger up her rectum, apparently to help herself defecate. I was in the room but did not see it as I turn my back when mom is using bathroom.
When the nurse asked her if she did that all of the time she said I don't know. I have noticed she has feces on the seat of the toilet often, and it appears that she's got it on the right side - which would be explained if she often has done this manual thing. Is this just a case for laxatives? Metamucil? The ALF does give her medications, so I could simply add it to the list… just looking for some help. Thanks.
I hope your mother is getting showered by the staff so you know that's being done 2x a week at least. Now is not the time to give her privacy in the bathroom or total independence, especially while she's got caregivers available to her!
Until then I think you should definitely keep your moms nails as short as you can , so she doesn't scratch herself. And id carry baby wipes around with me and wash her hands good when I was visiting.