Module 4 Lesson 3. Toileting and continence care 1. Possible solutions for problems such as urinating on the floor or losing bladder control Urinating on the floor Dementia can affect a person’s ability to find their way to the bathroom and identify the toilet and/or toilet seat. You should not blame the person living with dementia for this behaviour, nor punish them as this type of response will cause them and yourself stress. Modifying your house may help them use the bathroom. Let’s look at an example Zhen is taking care of her husband, Fu, since he developed vascular dementia several years ago. Fu is able to go to the toilet himself without assistance, but recently, Zhen finds Fu urinating on the floor outside the toilet. 1. Check your understandingPrevent urinating on the floor. What do you think is the right response for Zhen? Please select the correct answer. Make some simple changes to the environment and clothing, such as putting an image of a toilet on the bathroom door, using a contrasting colour for the toilet seat or changing Fu’s trousers to a pair of pants that does not need a belt.Tell her husband, Fu, that he is making trouble and punish him by not taking him for his daily walk in their neighbourhood.Check Make some simple changes to the environment and clothing, such as putting an image of a toilet on the bathroom door, using a contrasting colour for the toilet seat or changing Fu’s trousers to a pair of pants that doesn’t need a belt. This is the best answer . People with dementia may have difficulties finding and using the toilet, so these changes could help Fu. Tell her husband that he is making trouble and punish him by not taking him for his daily walk in their neighbourhood. This is not a good answer. You should never threaten people with dementia in this way. Fu will feel ashamed and embarrassed and this response could cause him to become upset. Error: Please select at least one option.Please click ‘check’ to view the answers before continuing.Error: Please type your answers in the text box. Tip Below are some tips in case the person you care for experiences difficulties using the toilet. Put an image of a toilet on the toilet door to help them find it. Provide directions to the toilet if they are unable to find it. Provide adequate nightlights in the hallway between the bedroom and the toilet. Use contrasting colours for the toilet seat. Change the person’s trousers to some that are easier to remove. Provide step-by-step instructions to the person if they forget how to use the toilet.