Toothpaste

Something as simple as toothpaste can become a really big deal to an Alzheimer's patient.
I bought some new toothpaste for Mom that was in a pump, not thinking it would totally confuse her. I was simply thinking what nice toothpaste it would be for her, since it wasn't strong, would be gentle on her teeth and even foams when she put it in her mouth. But I should have known better.
When she finally used up her old tube of toothpaste, I unwrapped the new pump version and even put some on her toothbrush. She seemed to like it. I put it on the counter conveniently located close to her toothbrush, or so I thought.
The next day I asked Mom if she liked her new toothpaste and she looked confused. We went into her bathroom together and instead of her new toothpaste, there sat a tube of Vaseline. I was so upset, not at Mom, but at myself and the thought that it could make her sick. I removed the Vaseline into a small basket on her bathroom counter and replaced it with the new pump toothpaste.
That night, I again asked about the new toothpaste and Mom seemed confused again. So I checked it out, and sure enough, there was the tube of Vaseline. I couldn't believe it. I replaced it again with the toothpaste pump.
The next day when our caregiver was here, I asked her what I should do. She reminded me that the fewer choices Mom has in the bathroom, the better, and pointed out that Mom can't remember anything with a pump, except perhaps hand lotion, which I think she also used as toothpaste, and that I should get her a tube of toothpaste. She also suggested that I go through her entire counter and remove anything that might be harmful to Mom if she ingested it. I cried because this was once again, so not like my Mom.
That day, I bought Mom a tube of toothpaste and replaced the Vaseline with it. I even put some on Mom's toothbrush and placed it next to the toothbrush. Thinking I had this whipped, I relaxed a little, only to find out that I relaxed too soon.
I went into her bathroom today, and to my shock and horror, there was the tube of Vaseline where the toothpaste should have been. The toothpaste was tucked neatly in her little basket. I removed the Vaseline to a drawer under the counter and then sat down with Mom to talk to her about it.
Mom hasn't been feeling well the past couple of days and I just couldn't figure out why. Now I believe it was her using the Vaseline for toothpaste that made her feel ill.
I talked with Mom, whose reaction was much like that of a small child. At first she denied it, then said she was sorry and would try to do better. I explained that her actions scared me because I am so afraid she will make herself sick.
We agreed that when she gets ready for bed and when she is doing her morning routine, that I will be in the bathroom with her to make sure she uses everything properly. She hesitated when we were talking, but eventually agreed that she would let me in the bathroom with her. I also found that she is locking one of the doors to the bathroom and when I asked her why she locked the door, she said she locked it when she was alone. I reminded her that she was never alone, but she acted like I wasn't telling the truth.
I feel so selfish because I thought, "Great, now I will have to give up part of my evening to help Mom even more," and then I just want to slap myself because it's not that I mind helping Mom, it's that I like to have some time to myself and that seems to be getting less and less frequent.
And this was yet another lesson I learned about Alzheimer's patients. How I HATE this disease.