How to Alzheimer’s-Proof Your House:
Part Four: Kitchens & Bathrooms
Five-Part Complete Guide to Alzheimer’s Proofing Your House
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5
Kitchens
Kitchens are replete with dangers. In general, reduce countertop clutter (see also Specific Tips for Early-Stage Alzheimer’s: Clutter), secure blades and cutting instruments, control access to breakables like china and glassware, and ensure that electrical appliances are not near sources of water.
Appliances, electrical. Ensure that electrical appliances are not near sources of water in the kitchen and that their use does not lead to fire. Blenders, cellular phones and chargers, Microwaves, mixers, toasters, are among the potentially dangerous small kitchen appliances. Individual appliances can be secured with electric-plug locks. Appliances that cannot be locked, should be removed from sight, or removed from the house altogether.
Blenders. See Appliances, electrical.
Burners. See Stovetop.
Cabinets. Install “childproof” locks on any storage cabinets that you wish to make off limits. China, glassware, and so on should be secured in this way (if not removed). Additionally, appliances like blenders, mixers, and toasters should be removed from sight and locked away when not in (supervised) use.
Centerpieces. See Table centerpieces.
Cleaning products, kitchen. Household cleansers also need to be kept under lock and key. Glass cleaners often contain ammonia, and surface-cleaning products may utilize bleach. Chemicals like these pose huge risks for Alzheimer’s sufferers who are liable to mistakenly ingest or otherwise misuse these substances. Even if properly used, a dementia-afflicted person cannot be counted on to adequately wash up afterwards, increasing the likelihood that they might contaminate food or whatever they touch after cleaning. See also Cleaning products, bathroom.
Coffee pots. See Appliances, electrical. [Kitchens]
Disposals. See Garbage disposals.
Drains. Install a plastic, wire-mesh or other sort of disposal/drain strainer to stop objects from falling into the disposal or down into the drain.
Drawers, kitchen. Drawers can likewise be latched or locked. Cutlery should be so secured, along with miscellaneous items like candles, glues, lighters, matches, razor blades, scissors, and so forth. Special problems are raised with the so-called “junk drawer.” This drawer needs careful attention. It should be emptied, and the contents relocated, or else it should be securely locked. Batteries, chemicals, tools, utility knives, and so on all pose acute dangerous for the cognitively impaired. Even more common and seemingly innocuous items like pencils and pens can be dangerous if used incorrectly, or for inappropriate purposes. For example, my dad once tried to use the clip from a pen to try to unscrew the cover plate from a wall outlet. The metal clip could easily have slipped and enter the electrical socket, which was live.
Foods. See General Safety Items: Food stuffs.
Garbage disposals. Consider having the garbage disposal removed entirely, to eliminate the danger of fingers being placed into it. A handyman or plumber can replace the disposal with additional PVC piping. At the least, the disposal needs to have a cutoff switch that will ensure it cannot be operated when no one is around to supervise.
Lighting, kitchen. Make sure that kitchen lighting fixtures provide adequate illuminations and are in good working order. Install a nightlight that switches on when the light falls below a particular threshold.
Magnets. Magnets are extremely dangerous if they are ingested. It is probably best to clear the refrigerator.
Mats, kitchen. If nonskid mats are being used, they must be securely placed so as not to slip out of position when they are needed.
Medicines. See Specific Tips for middle-stage Alzheimer’s: Pharmaceuticals.
Microwaves. Access to microwaves should be curtailed and microwave usage ought to be carefully monitored. One option would be to remove the microwave altogether. This is not ideal, however, if it inconveniences the caretaker. Another possibility would be to put electric-plug locks on the microwave’s power cord. This is the route that I took with my dad. Some microwaves now come equipped with “childproofing” features. Usually, this means that the control panel can be “locked” (by a sequence of buttons acting as a passcode). So, a final suggestion would be to replace your microwave with one that has these capabilities. Then simply engage the microwave’s lock function to prevent unauthorized use.
Mixers. See Appliances, electrical.
Ovens. Dementia patients may forget how to properly use appliances. The over door can be latched shut to prevent the cooking chamber from being accessed. It is also (theoretically) possible to install “shut-off” switches on some appliances, to keep them from heating in the first place or from remaining switched on for extended periods of time. The fuse panel or circuit breaker could also be used to accomplish the same purpose. Even if they manage to use the appliance correctly, Alzheimer’s sufferers may forget to turn it off – creating an obvious fire danger. Again, there is seldom an alternative to vigilance. See also Stovetop.
Pharmaceuticals. See Specific Tips for middle-stage Alzheimer’s: Pharmaceuticals.
Prescriptions. See Specific Tips for middle-stage Alzheimer’s: Pharmaceuticals.
Refrigerator. Install a “childproof” latch to the door to restrict access. This is especially important if medications have to be refrigerated. (See also Specific Tips for Middle-Stage Alzheimer’s: Pharmaceuticals.) Ensure that perishable foods are not spoiled. (See also General Safety Items: Food stuffs.)
Stovetop. “Childproof” knobs can be used to frustrate attempts to operate the appliance. My dad shattered several glass bowls when he placed them atop burners. Circuit breaker switches can be used to disable electrical stoves. See also Microwave and Oven.
Table centerpieces. Flowers and other centerpieces can be cheery additions to the dining area or kitchen. However, if centerpieces include such things as plastic fruits, poisonous plants, or other things that could be mistaken for edibles, then they are best removed.
Toasters. See Appliances, electrical.
Vitamins. Pills of all sorts – whether prescription, nonprescription, or whatever – need to be stored securely out of reach. This includes vitamins, which can present choking and overdosing hazards, just like prescription medicines can.
Water temperature. See Specific Tips for middle-stage Alzheimer’s: Water temperature.
RETURN TO PART ONE: THE MASTER LIST.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are filled with perils of many kinds. The New York Times reports that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “…every year about 235,000 people over age 15 visit emergency rooms because of injuries suffered in the bathroom… Injuries increase with age, peaking after 85…”.[1] Interestingly: “People over 85 suffer more than half of their injuries near the toilet.”[2]
Persons suffering from cognitive impairment should be treated as you would treat small children. Never leave an Alzheimer’s-afflicted person alone in the bathroom. This need not mean that you have to stand next to them as the use the toilet (although, depending upon their overall physical abilities, you may have to do exactly this). But it does mean that you should always be aware of the what the person is doing. Impaired persons, left unattended, could end up burning, electrocuting, or poisoning themselves, or else choking, drowning, slipping, or otherwise harming themselves in any of several other unfortunate ways. Be present and be alert!
Appliances, electrical. Ensure that electrical appliances are not near sources of water in the bathroom. Cellular phones and chargers, clothes irons, electric radios and TVs, electric razors, electric toothbrushes, hair-curling irons, hairdryers, space heaters, and tablets are among the potentially dangerous equipment that can find its way into the bathroom. Police the entry into the bathroom, particularly if water is going to be involved. Try to encourage afflicted persons to shave themselves and dry their hair (etc.) in locations far removed from sources of water. And, as usual, be sure to place childproof covers on exposed and unused outlets.
Cleaning products, bathroom. Get rid of, relocate, or otherwise secure any cleaning products that may be stored under the bathroom sink. See also Cleaning products, kitchen.
Cough medicine. See Specific Tips for middle-stage Alzheimer’s: Pharmaceuticals.
Curling irons. See Appliances, electrical.
Doors. Doors could be widened to accommodate wheelchairs or other equipment. See also Locks, bathroom.
Drain traps. Insert drain traps in sinks to catch small items that may be lost or flushed down the drain.
Electrical appliances. See Appliances, electrical.
Electric razors. See Appliances, electrical.
Faucets. If your loved one has a faucet with separate spouts for cold and hot water, consider replacing the assembly with a single-spout version. The reason is that with dual spouts, the hot water comes out at full strength, and touching the stream (intentionally or unintentionally) can result in burns. With a single-spout setup, by contrast, the hot and cold water mix before coming out, thus decreasing the chances of burns (if the cold-water faucet is properly turned on, of course). See also Water temperature. You might also consider replacing fixtures with ones that have clearly and colorfully labeled indicators for “Cold” and “Hot” water valves. See also Decals and Labels.
Flooring. For bathroom-flooring concerns, see Tile flooring.
Hair dryers. See Appliances, electrical.
Heat lamps. Heat lamps can be excellent alternatives to space heaters for bathrooms.
Grab bars. Grab bars can and should be added in numerous places in the bathroom. For instance, bars can be a helpful addition to the toilet seat or, at least, installed next to the toilet bowl. Grab bars or handrails should also be a fixture in the bathtub or shower basin. As with many of the contemplated home modifications, grab bars need to be installed correctly to be useful. Improperly anchored grab bars are a major hazard and can result in severe injury to the senior (or whomever) if they give way under pressure.
Lighting, bathroom. Use a night-light. It may even be worthwhile installing motion sensors that will automatically turn on lights without a person having to fumble for, or remember to turn on, switches.
Locks, bathroom. Many bathrooms are standardly outfitted with doors that can be locked from the inside. In order to prevent the dementia sufferer from locking him- or herself inside, it is probably best to remove this lock from the door. At the very least, hide a key outside – for example, on the molding ledge above the door – for ease of reentry if your loved one is locked inside. (Many bathroom locks can be opened with a small, flat-bladed screwdriver. Take time to examine your door so that you know ahead of time how to open it if an emergency arises.)
Medicines. See Specific Tips for middle-stage Alzheimer’s: Pharmaceuticals.
Prescriptions. See Specific Tips for middle-stage Alzheimer’s: Pharmaceuticals.
Shelving. Shelves need to be properly anchored to the walls. Because of the tightness of the space in the bathroom, shelving should perhaps be sturdy enough to double as Grab bars. Where that is impractical, shelving should probably be removed.
Shower benches. These are basically small, nonslip seats that permit a person to sit in the shower (without having to be on the floor), instead of having to stand. They should be used along with shower “wands,” or handheld showerheads.
Showerheads. For added versatility, not to mention increased safety, think about converting traditional, fixed showerheads into handheld versions. These replacements enable your loved one to thoroughly wash without having to stand.
Shower seats. See Shower benches.
Shower, walk-in. Cognitively impaired individuals, along with some seniors in general, may have difficulties entering conventional bathtubs and shower basins. One thing to consider would be to convert the existing bathing/showering facility into a “walk-in” that is more accessible to someone who is experiencing coordination or mobility problems.
Space heaters, bathroom. See Appliances, electrical. See also Bedrooms: Space heaters.
Spout covers. A safety faucet cover is another useful, do-it-yourself addition to the bathroom. Also called “soft” faucet covers, these protective shields are usually made of foam, rubber, or some equivalent material designed to cushion the shower hardware in the unhappy event that someone slips and strikes the exposed metal. These covers are often available wherever childproofing devices are sold.
Tile flooring. Most bathrooms of course have linoleum, vinyl, or other tile flooring. However, to reduce the risk of slipping, you could consider replacing this with specialized “bath” carpet or rubber tiling.
Toilets. To prevent slipping, place nonskid adhesives or safety mats around the toilet.
Tub mats. Secure nonslip mats or “stickers” in the bathtub or shower basin.
Toilet seat. Elevated toilet seats, also called toilet-seat “risers,” can be helpful for elderly people who experience decreased flexibility and mobility. The slightly raised seats provide an assist when transferring on and off the toilet.
Walk-in shower. See Shower, walk-in.
Water temperature. See Specific Tips for middle-stage Alzheimer’s: Water temperature.
RETURN TO PART ONE: THE MASTER LIST.
How to Pay for Care Home Modifications
I have discussed long-term care in a separate post. Titled “Alzheimer’s-Proof Your Retirement Savings With Long-Term Care Insurance,” the article chronicles my own family’s financial struggle to get my dad nursing-home assistance. In that article, I point out that there are really only three ways to pay for long-term care.
Three (3) Ways That Anyone Can Pay for Long-Term Care
- Private pay
- Out of your own assets
- Out of your own income
- Spend your assets down and qualify for Medicaid
- File a claim with your long-term care insurance
Now, of course, in order to be able to file a claim with long-term care insurance, you have to actually have a long-term care insurance policy in force. Since you will never be approved for such a policy if you wait until you have Alzheimer’s Disease (or some other form of dementia), if you are interested in protecting your retirement (and other assets) for your family/spouse, then you need to apply for long-term care insurance before you have any signs of cognitive impairment.
When it comes to paying for home modifications, the options dwindle down to two. As the website Caring.com explains: “Like Medicare, Medicaid doesn’t cover physical modifications to the home.”[3]
Two (2) Ways That Anyone Can Pay for Home Modifications[4]
- Private pay
- Long-term care insurance
Most people will therefore have to pay for their own home modifications, regardless of who they have perform the work. However, for those who have the right sort of long-term care insurance, some money might be available to subsidize various house alterations.
You have to check your contract or contact your insurance agent to discover whether these benefits are available to you and what limitations or restrictions, if any, may be placed upon them. For instance, some contracts might limit you to obtaining modifications of certain types, or from certain contractors, etc. And there may be maximums to the dollar amounts that insurance companies are willing to pay for such work.
Generally speaking, you may need to seek preapproval for any prospective, home-modification project.
But, here are a few sorts of installations/modifications that you might expect to receive approval – for those policies that offer these types of benefits.
- Addition of “knee holes” (to accommodate wheelchairs) in bathrooms, kitchens, studies, and work areas
- Installation of chair/stair “lifts” to enable people to traverse house levels without having to walk up stairs
- Mounting of grab bars and handrails
- Placement of wheelchair ramps over entryway steps
- Replacement of conventional bathtubs/showers with walk-in varieties
- Widening of doorways for wheelchair access
For More Information
See the following articles.
“How Do You Alzheimer’s Proof a Car?”
What do we mean by “Alzheimer’s Proofing?” see HERE.
What’s the Difference between Alzheimer’s Proofing and Baby Proofing or Childproofing? See HERE.
RETURN TO PART ONE: THE MASTER LIST.
Notes:
[1] Nicholas Bakalaraug, “Watch Your Step While Washing Up,” New York Times, Aug. 15, 2011, <https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/16/health/research/16stats.html>.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Joseph Matthews, “FAQ: What Kinds of Home Equipment and Modifications Are Covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or the VA?” Caring.com, Apr. 9, 2018, <>. The author adds, however: “However, some state Medicaid programs have special pilot programs that can help with home modifications. If you need home modification, check with the Medicaid worker who handles your file and ask if there might be special coverage that can help you,” ibid.
[4] Veterans have certain grants that they can apply for through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (also known as the Veterans Administration), usually designated the “V.A.” See Matthews, loc. cit.