DEMENTIA Wash Away The Risks


With bathroom hazards, such as trip points, slippery floors, and hot water, presenting huge risks for dementia sufferers, James Dadd, Director of Marketing at AKW, offers some best practice advice on designing ‘dementia-friendly’ bathroom spaces.


According to research published in 2013 by the Alzheimer’s Society, 80% of care and nursing home residents have some degree of dementia or severe memory problems. The bathroom is one of the most challenging places for a person with dementia, as they are twice as likely to fall as others in the same age group.


PREVENTING FALLS Reducing falls is critical to limiting the injuries that can follow


in care homes and this can be achieved in a number of ways. These include the removal of floor-standing furniture, the avoidance of sharp edges on bathroom products or radiators and the choice of PET plastic shower screens, such as AKW's Silverdale screen panels, instead of glass.


SCALDING PROTECTION Safety awareness reduces as dementia progresses, making


those with the condition especially susceptible to scalding. It is advised that pipework is not leſt exposed and that low surface temperature radiators and towel rails are used, as well as thermostatically controlled taps and showers. AKW’s iCare wireless and Bluetooth smart electric shower has proved very popular with users and carers, as they can tailor the


temperature and flow via buttons on the shower unit or Smart or Android phone apps and programme personalised settings dependent on each user.


MEMORY LOSS The risk of bathroom flooding increases with short-term


memory loss. To combat this, it is important to include flood-proof plugs in the basin and install showers that have an auto shut-off function. AKW’s dementia-friendly iShowers automatically shut down aſter 30 minutes of use if leſt running, helping to avoid accidental overflows.


RETRO MEMORY Traditionally designed fixtures and fittings, such as cross-headed


taps and conventional toilet flushes, rather than modern push- button devices are preferable for people with dementia. Their ability to recall more things from distant past means that they feel comfortable with traditionally styled fixtures.


GENERAL CONFUSION Although it is usually important to include a mirror in a


bathroom installation, people with dementia can find the reflection of their face can be frightening, as they can believe another person is in the room with them. To overcome this, it is wise to fit a roller blind above the sink, so that the mirror can be covered by carers when necessary.


FLOOR COLOUR A person with dementia can interpret a change in floor


colour as a step up, or down, so consistency in floor colouring shades is essential if falls are to be minimised. Dark colours can seem like gaping holes and a speckled effect can appear to be flecks of dirt, so a light, uniform colour is advised to avoid these problems.


VISUAL CONFUSION Incorporating contrasting colours into the rest of the


bathroom design however can help a user with dementia to effectively define and locate separate sections of the room. Clearly contrasting plain colours for equipment, such as shower curtains, shower seats, grab rails and toilet roll holders will help the user identify each item clearly. A Light Reflective Value (LRV) difference of plus or minus 30 creates suitable contrast.


With the number of dementia sufferers growing year on year, it is vital to understand their requirements to help them to remain safe. With the right knowledge and products, person- centric, dementia-friendly bathrooms can be created simply and at no extra cost than a standard bathroom adaptation, to ensure maximum user safety and comfort for years to come.


www.akw-ltd.co.uk - 34 - www.tomorrowscare.co.uk


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