Alzheimer's Disease and Safety Room-by-Room

Bathroom

• Do not leave a severely impaired person with Alzheimer's disease alone in the bathroom.

• Remove the lock from the bathroom door to prevent the person with Alzheimer's disease from getting locked inside.

• Place nonskid adhesive strips, decals, or mats in the tub and shower. If the bathroom is uncarpeted, consider placing these strips next to the tub, toilet, and sink.

• Use washable wall-to-wall bathroom carpeting to prevent slipping on wet tile floors.

• Use an extended toilet seat with handrails, or install grab bars beside the toilet.

• Install grab bars in the tub/shower. A grab bar in contrasting color to the wall is easier to see.

• Use a foam rubber faucet cover (often used for small children) in the tub to prevent serious injury should the person with Alzheimer's disease fall.

• Use plastic shower stools and a hand-held showerhead to make bathing easier.

• In the shower, tub, and sink use a single faucet that mixes hot and cold water to avoid burns.

• Adjust the water heater to 120 degrees to avoid scalding tap water.

• Insert drain traps in sinks to catch small items that may be lost or flushed down the drain.

• Store medications (prescription and nonprescription) in a locked cabinet. Check medication dates and throw away outdated medications.

• Remove cleaning products from under the sink, or lock them away.

• Use a night-light.

• Remove small electrical appliances from the bathroom. Cover electrical outlets. If men use electric razors, have them use a mirror outside the bathroom to avoid water contact.