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3. Toilet
There are many chemicals on the market today that are used as cleaning agents for toilets. While these colorful waters may have a good appearance and aroma, they are also very inviting to small children and to those who are memory impaired due to Alzheimer's disease. Avoid using these agents if possible or else secure the toilet seat by using a locking device that secures the toilet lid.

All toilet seats should be securely mounted to the bowl preventing unnecessary falls due to movement. Grab bars securely mounted around toilets can provide additional leverage for persons requiring assistance. There are a number of adjustable seat products that fit onto existing bowels or types that can be permanently mounted to the floor. (See our catalog for more information)

4. Cabinet Design & Countertops
    They May Look "Sharp"- but They Can also Cause Injuries
Those fancy bathroom cabinets that we selected for our homes from the latest "Homearama" show that we attended sure look great. They also hurt like the dickens! I can't tell you how many times over the years that I've hastily bent over to pick something up in the bathroom only to hit my head or face on a sharp counter top edge. Now that Hurts!!!!

If your home is already furnished with countertops that have sharp edges and pointed corners you might want to purchase protective edge cushions and corner covers. They may not appear to be as aesthetically pleasing to the eye but they work.

5. Medicine/Cabinet Storage Areas - Caution on What You Store
Many consumer products are stored in the average household bathroom increasing the risk of serious injuries related to poisoning mishaps and chemical burns. Most bathrooms are equipped with medicine cabinets that store a wide range of medications and other cleaning chemicals. Be sure that these cabinets are secured before storing anything that could pose a threat of danger to you loved one.

Health related ointments, cough syrups, lotions, eye cleansers and other personal products should never be stored with cleaning liquids. An accidental mix up while attempting to use these items could cause serious injuries.

All medications should be properly stored in their original container and should be clearly marked as to their contents, expiration date, patient's name and doctor's instructions.

NEVER store medications in different containers where they could be easily mixed up. Taking the wrong medications or improperly taking the wrong dosage could lead to serious injuries including death. Outdated medications should be disposed of properly. You may want to consider requesting resistant closure type containers from your pharmacist for all of your medications.

Other questions that you should consider regarding the use of your Medicine /Storage cabinets include the following:

• Are cosmetics and other toiletries properly stored?
• Are cotton balls or other materials that have been used to remove nail polish stored in metal containers? Is the container secured?
• Is nail polish and other flammable materials stored away from all heat sources?
• Is the medicine cabinet secured and have all outdated medications been disposed of properly?
• Are spray canisters, such as hairspray, secured or used with proper supervision?
• Are pressurized canisters stored away from all heat sources?
• Are safety latches used on all cabinets and drawers to restrict access?

Remember that materials that are discarded in the bathroom can also be a source of danger. Sharp razor blades, empty chemical containers that still have some residue and other throwaway items can be harmful. Syringe needles used for medication injections should always be stored in their impermeable containers and removed from the bathroom.

6. Electrical Appliances
    Used improperly they can be a "Shocking Experience!"
NEVER leave appliances such as hair dryers, electric shavers, radios etc. plugged in when they are not being used. Even an appliance that is not turned on can be potentially dangerous should it be knocked into water.

You should NEVER reach into water to retrieve an appliance unless you are sure that it has been unplugged first. Special precautions should be made by caregivers regarding the use of these appliances when caring for someone who is memory impaired or has poor judgment. A good rule to follow is to store all electrical appliances in a secured cabinet when not in use.

7. Accessibility - Balancing Privacy versus Emergency
Be sure that you have a way to gain access and entry into a bathroom should there be an emergency. All carpets and floor mats that are used in bathrooms should have clearance in order to slide under the down when opened. This prevents doors from being jammed during an emergency.

Be especially careful not to store wheelchairs or walkers inside of the bathroom. These can act as barriers restricting access should a person fall and require immediate attention. Some types of door hinges are now designed to allow doors to swing in either direction. These would be beneficial as the bathroom door could swing out into the hallway for the purpose of gaining quick access.

A light switch near the door will prevent you from having to walk through a dark area that possibly has a wet floor or items that may pose a risk of falling. You may want to consider installing a night light in the bathroom or replacing the existing switch with an illuminating glow switch which can be seen in the dark.

Windows should be properly maintained if for no other reason then to provide proper ventilation to the bathroom or as a means of escape in case of an emergency.

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