I was talking with a local Alzheimer's Association person today and we got on the subject of 'missing the toilet'. She reminded me that visual perception is one of the common problems AD patients have. We all have all read that colored plates make food look more enticing than plain white ones, and they are more inclined to eat on - (for example) colored Fiesta dinnerware. She said that if we paint the wall in the bathroom RED (her suggestion) the toilet will stand out more and not fade into obscurity as it might in a monochromatic colored room.
I am an interior designer and my last powder bathroom was painted a rich red and it was awesome. I had gold accessories and a small gold and red brocade runner on the top of the toilet tank (softly knotted on each end) and it looked beautiful! The white toilet stood out clearly - because the floor was travertine (beige) marble.
It makes sense that since our guys have perception problems, and our toilet is white in a white room and on a white tile floor, they might not be able to distinguish the edge of the toilet bowl clearly.
Just a thought. I can see where it would be a help.
mine (commodes) arent white at all but a dark taupe and wallcoverings arent a factor either. still misses it! not sure this is a sure thing but if you do have white ones it may be worth a try. divvi
Our house renovations include a completely new handicapped accessible bathroom for John. I'm planning to paint the bathroom slate blue below the chair rail and white above. I want the chair rail and baseboard to be slate blue as well, which the contractor thought a little odd. But I figured that would be less visually confusing. The tile is a slate pattern, cream, slate blue, tan, but not to busy, the colors blend together fairly well. Lots of grab bars and I also got grab bars to use as towel bars. The shower is approximately 5x5 feel, roll-in. He is going to want a shower curtain--should I worry about a stronger than normal shower curtain rod or is the rod not the weakest link if he loses his balance and grabs the shower curtain?
Nancy--As I recall, the book "Learning to Speak Alzheimers" has the suggestion about the wall behind the toilet, as well as lots of other decorating tips to make things better for people with AD.
Marsh, that is sooooooooooo funny. Imagine various politician images would work as well. May send n a suggestion to Kohler.
I was thinking that there should be special design courses in college for A.D.A. room design that would INCLUDE designing for Alzheimer's patients. We do have instruction for wheelchair bound design - more in commercial design than residential - but as I learn more about AD, I know that colors are significant in their treatment. (and, I'll admit, my dinnerware is white!) I preach but don't do. Who has time to shop for new dinnerware anyway??