Living with dementia can have a massive impact on the person affected and those close to them. Everyday tasks can become daunting and exhausting. It is important to find ways to overcome the new obstacles dementia can present.
One area of the home that can present unique challenges for those living with dementia is the bathroom. Elderly people with dementia are 50% more likely than other elderly people to be incontinent. This may be due to medical conditions such as UTI’s, constipation caused by poor diet or dehydration, or the side effects of medication. However, it may be that using the bathroom becomes challenging for them.
So what can be done? Firstly, we must ensure that the important things are highly visible. A different coloured toilet seat (for example, blue, red or black) may help people with dementia to distinguish the toilet from its surroundings.
Due to ageing and/or mobility issues, people with dementia may find it difficult to rise from a low position. A raised toilet seat increases the height of the toilet, enabling someone to rise more easily.
If a person with dementia requires extra stability when accessing a toilet, grab rails or drop-down support bars are a simple but effective way to reduce the risk of falls in the bathroom.
Lighting that creates shadows can cause distress in people with dementia. However, if lighting is cleverly positioned above the sink or toilet, it can be used to draw attention to these areas so they can be found more easily. You may also wish to consider installing movement detectors in the bathroom, to turn the lights on automatically – meaning no fumbling around for the light switch late at night.
Alan Kingdon, Surveyor for Living Needs says “The most important consideration when creating a dementia-friendly bathroom should be the safety of the individual. For example, it may be prudent to avoid sharp edges and reflective materials such as glass or mirrors. You may also want to consider installing non-slip flooring to reduce the risk of falls”.
Most people with dementia find their long-term memory far better than their short-term memory. Therefore, modern equipment such as mixer taps can become confusing and difficult to use. Separate hot and cold water taps may be easier to operate.
Every individual with dementia will have different needs. It is vital to bear in mind their individual strengths and current needs. By implementing some of the above changes, you can help a person with dementia retain their independence for longer, and reduce healthcare-related costs long-term.
For advice on options and to view an extensive range of home adaptations and independent living aids, visit the Living Needs showroom on Mill Road (near Rolle Quay) in Barnstaple, call 01271 374600 for a free home visit, or take a look at our website – www.livingneeds.co.uk.