Alzheimer’s Care Chapel Hill and Durham: Keeping Alzheimer’s Patients Safe Room-by-Room - The Bathroom

Helen Antipov

Those with Alzheimer's here in Chapel Hill and Durham need a bit more attention when surveying their surroundings. For those caring for a person with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia in Chapel Hill or Durham, we offer this second part of a series in keeping your loved one with Alzheimer's safe throughout the house.  Last time we talked about The Bedroom. This time we review...

The Bathroom

In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, many people can perform basic hygiene, although someone should always remain close. To help preserve your loved one’s independence as long as possible, consider installing these devices:

• Raised toilet seats
• Grab or side bars on and around the tub and toilet areas
• Non-skid mats in the tub and a safe, non-skid floor surface

Getting in and out of the tub is often quite frightening for those with Alzheimer’s, as well as their caregivers, so consider using a stool or shower chair to reduce the apprehension and fear of falling. Additional bathroom safety tips include:

• Remove items from shelving.
• Ensure the water temperature on the house meter is no higher than 120-degrees.

These are just a few things to think about as we move through the house. Join us for the third part of the series where we review The Kitchen.

At Comfort Keepers of Durham and Chapel Hill, we understand the stress that caregivers go through. We are here to help you and give you the support you need when dealing with a loved one and Alzheimer's. Call us at 919-338-2044 or visit us at online.