August Newsletter, The bathroom challenge, creating a safer space for the changing brain
When a flower doesn't bloom you change the environment in which it grows not the flower |
August Newsletter |
The bathroom challenge, creating a safer space for the changing brain |
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The bathroom is one of the most important and often overlooked spaces to consider when someone is living with dementia or brain changes. Changes in vision, depth perception, balance, memory, and the ability to sequence familiar tasks can make a bathroom that once felt simple suddenly feel confusing or unsafe. According to the CDC approximately 235,000 Americans are treated for bathroom related injuries every year and over 80% of injuries are caused by falls. Small changes to the environment can make a big difference. |
"I don't always recognize danger; you will have to safeguard my environment." — Teepa Snow, A positive Approach to care |
 Let's start with a few things:
Declutter and Organize A cluttered bathroom can create extra work for a brain that is already working hard to process its surroundings. When too many items compete for attention, it may be difficult to figure out what to look at, what to use, or what to do next. Simplifying the space can make the bathroom feel calmer and help everyday tasks feel more manageable.
Adaptive Equipment The right adaptive equipment can make a big difference in helping someone remain safe, comfortable, and as independent as possible in the bathroom. Simple changes, such as grab bars, a shower chair, raised toilet seat, or handheld showerhead, can reduce the physical demands of everyday tasks and help prevent falls.
An assessment by an Occupational Therapist (OT) can be especially helpful. An OT professional can look at how a person is moving, thinking, seeing, and managing each step of the task, then recommend equipment and environmental changes that fit their specific abilities and needs. The goal is to make it easier for the person to continue doing as much as they can, safely.
Think about the rug Rugs may seem like a simple way to add comfort or prevent wet feet, but in the bathroom, they can also become a tripping or slipping hazard. If you choose to keep a rug, look for one with a non-slip rubber or silicone backing, avoid lightweight rugs that shift easily, and consider adding a non-slip rug pad or grippers underneath. Keep rugs dry, check regularly for curled or worn edges, and replace them when the backing begins to lose its grip.
Use technology Technology can add another layer of safety and independence in the bathroom. Motion-sensor lights can make nighttime trips safer, while automatic faucets, automatic toothpaste dispensers, shower controls, and temperature settings can reduce the need to twist, reach, or remember multiple steps. The goal isn’t to make the bathroom high-tech, it’s to use simple technology that quietly makes everyday tasks safer and easier.
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Independence builds confidence
For someone living with brain changes, being able to do something for themselves can provide a powerful sense of confidence, purpose, and independence. It can be tempting to step in and help when a task takes longer or looks difficult, but allowing someone the opportunity to try is important. Sometimes, the key is getting creative with the environment, equipment, or way a task is presented so they can continue to participate successfully. Safety doesn’t always mean doing things for your loved one, it can mean finding ways to help them keep doing things for themselves. |
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The Sensory Spotlight
Each month, we'll shine a light on one of the five senses and explore simple, meaningful ways to create moments of comfort, connection, and joy for someone living with dementia. These small sensory experiences can help reduce anxiety, spark memories, and strengthen connection without even saying a single word. August=Sense of Sight Sight is about more than simply being able to see. For someone living with dementia or other brain changes, the brain may have difficulty processing, interpreting, or finding meaning in what the eyes see. This can make a busy or poorly lit bathroom especially challenging. Clutter, patterns, glare, shadows, and similar colors can make it harder to find the toilet, locate a towel, or recognize where the edge of the shower begins.
We can help by making the environment visually simple and easy to understand. Good lighting, contrasting colors, clear pathways, and keeping frequently used items in consistent places can make a surprising difference. Sometimes, a small visual change to the environment can help the brain make sense of what the eyes are seeing and make everyday tasks feel a whole lot easier. |
Some Products that I like |
 Stone Bath Mat-This stone bath mat is safe, absorbent and more long-lasting than traditional mats. Enhance your bath safety with our diatomite stone bath mat featuring a textured surface for added friction and an included rubber anti-slip mat for double protection.
 Shower bench-Easy Transfer Tub Transfer Bench. One side of the tub bench sits outside the tub, the other inside the tub. Simply sit on the outside part of the bench and slide the legs around to the inside bath side. Legs are easily adjusted to sit flat and secure |
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"Im still me , Im still here." 💜 -Mick Carmody, living with frontotemporal dementia |
I hope you've enjoyed this newsletter but if you didn't and would like to be taken off of my email list please reply and let me know. This is NOT a replacement for healthcare. This is not considered healthcare advice. Please consult your loved one's healthcare providers for best practices and recommendations for your situation. |
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