Facing a dementia diagnosis, whether it’s for yourself or a loved one, can be overwhelming. However, there is a wealth of support available from numerous charities and organisations. Oxford Aunts website has a comprehensive list of charities and organisations that can assist you in navigating the changes that lie ahead. You don’t have to face this journey alone.
Designing a dementia-friendly bathroom is an important step in creating a comfortable and safe living environment for those with dementia. Making these adaptations sooner rather than later can help people with dementia adjust and maintain a sense of familiarity in their surroundings. However, designing a dementia-friendly bathroom requires careful consideration, as it can be a more challenging room to navigate and involves several safety considerations. The main goal is to create a space that addresses difficulties, promotes independence, and ensures overall safety. In this article, we will discuss essential design factors to keep in mind when planning a dementia-friendly bathroom.
In the UK, we have an ageing population. That also comes with its challenges, one of them being dementia. Dementia typically affects those of the older generation, usually 65 years and older. It is reported that in the UK there are around 850,000 people with dementia.
Source: www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-us/news-and-media/facts-media
Primary Considerations for Bathroom Adaptations
Below, we will explore a few instances of how those living with dementia may be affected and the adaptations that can be implemented.
Safety and Protection
People with dementia are four to five times more likely to fall than older people who do not have cognitive impairment. For those who fall, the risk of sustaining a fracture is three times higher than for cognitively well people.
Source: Alzheimer Society: https://www.alzheimer.mb.ca
Factors to Consider When Choosing Dementia-Friendly Bathrooms
- Flooring: Use anti-slip flooring, this type of flooring is designed to provide traction and reduce the risk of immediate slips or falls, both in the bathing area and throughout the entire bathroom space and remove any loose items from the floor in this case rugs, ats and weight scales.
- Burns and scalds from water temperatures are often a large worry for a person with dementia so installing thermostatic care showers and temperature controlled taps will stop this from happening.
- Walk-in showers with level or low-level shower trays remove any steps or potential trips hazards making falls less likely.
- When it comes to shower screens or curtains, there are some considerations to keep in mind. PET plastic shower screens are a great option. PET plastic ensures that no glass will shatter or smash in the event of a fall, these are available in a half-height shower door option to cater for assisted use.
- Shower seats can help reduce likeliness of falls or slips whilst showering.
Underfloor heating is strongly recommended to minimise the risk of slipping and falling on to a radiator and/or exposed pipes. Since individuals with dementia often have a diminished sense of safety perception, it is important to take proactive measures to prevent burns or scalds too. Using low surface temperature radiators are a must if underfloor heating is not a viable option.
Memory Loss and Familiarity
Confusion and memory loss are common symptoms of dementia that affect individuals in various ways. In the bathroom, short-term memory loss and forgetfulness can increase the risk of flooding. To prevent this, it is recommended to install a shower timer with automatic cut-off. This not only reduces the chances of slipping and falling but also prevents property damage. Removing the plug from the basin entirely can also be a helpful precaution.
Long-term memory is often more easily recalled than short-term memory. Therefore, it is beneficial to have fixtures and fittings that are easily recognisable. Taps and toilet systems with manual levers and handles are more familiar over sensor-detected taps and push button toilet handles, as they are traditionally easier to understand and operate. Another helpful tip is to use showerheads that display the water flow instead of incorporating ceiling-mounted overhead showerheads, as this can assist in reducing confusion.
Visual Confusion and Perception
Reflections
A person with dementia may also be confused by their reflection, NHS UK recommends to check mirrors and cover or remove them if they’re likely to cause confusion in the person with dementia. They may be distressed if they don’t recognise themselves.
To prevent any distress this may be causing, cover or remove mirrors if necessary. Installing a roll-down blind in the bathroom over a mirror can be helpful and reducing reflective surfaces by using frosted shower screens or non-reflective glass.
Depth Perception/Finishes and Colours
Individuals with dementia frequently face difficulties with depth perception, causing them to find steps and floors of different colours confusing. To address this issue, it is recommended to select neutral tones for the bathroom floor and eliminate bath or toilet mats. Furthermore, including contrasting features like grab rails, shower seats, toilet roll holders, and even the toilet rolls themselves can significantly improve the comfort and usability for individuals with dementia. Opting for textured and matte finishes can also reduce glare and shiny surfaces, which might otherwise be mistaken for being wet or slippery, thus reducing the risk of trips and falls.
We hope you have found this article helpful. Remember, you are not alone, and there are numerous organisations available to provide support. Dementia UK offers further information on home adaptations in this informative article.
If you require assistance or guidance in designing a dementia-friendly bathroom, please contact our friendly team. We offer a no-obligation home visit where we can casually discuss your needs and find suitable solutions for you or your loved one’s home. Contact us at 01491 411 041 or fill out the enquiry form on our website, we aim to respond to you within 48 hours.
Our friendly team is dedicated to providing personalised support and helping you explore the best options for your home, at your convenience.
