Laundry

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Common dementia related issues in the laundry may include difficulties with using appliances and remembering to hang laundry, and with maintaining safety (chemical, electrical, flood, fire, slips and falls).

This can lead to changes in appearance and grooming.

Consider these features in a laundry which may support independence and safety:

Excess clutter removed
Adequate natural or artificial light in the laundry area for age, vision and perception needs
Thermostatic mixing valves or hot water cut off device to prevent scalds
Securely stored cleaning products, bleaches, poisons and detergents;
Flood prevention and detection – pressure sensitive sink plug (‘magi plug’) / water overflow prevention device for the sink, flood detector
Fire prevention/ lint filters - labels and signs or appliance locks
Appliances – isolation switches, gas detectors, auto-cut off devices, appliance locks. Does the iron have an automatic cut off feature if left unattended or placed face down? Iron safe? Combined washer/dryer?
For electrical safety throughout the home, consider the following features:
Clearly identifiable light switches (use contrast)
Safety switches / circuit breakers installed to prevent electrocution
Outlet covers or power point safety covers
Electrical cord clips or tubing to keep them safe, tidy and disguised
Long electrical cords on appliances replaced with coiled or retractable cords

Some of the ideas are simple and inexpensive, whilst others require professional installation and are more costly. For professional advise regarding your circumstances and needs, please contact the Independent Living Centre on 1300 885 886.