How can a senior with mild dementia safely use ointment for eye infection?

With HELP: This an important area of concern; and will only get greater. Diminished capacity + powerful compounds is truly dangerous. The caregiver should be the acting adult. Maintain dignity of your patient by clear explanation to both, after both have been invited into the exam room. Neither leave the pt. Out nor be less than complete as you say & write necessary info. On your stationery (4 contact, etc).

Prompts if needed: Have them practice the proper use and demonstrate to you. Check later to see if they still can remember how to do it. If they can't, using prompts might help. Try writing the directions out for them in large enough print that they can read it. If they are visually impaired, you may try recording the directions for them to play back to remind themselves.

They may: Need your help to apply the ointment.