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Alzheimer`s Disease/Flushing of towels down a toilet

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Expert: - 4/29/2011


Question
We have a resident who is causing daily floods r/t flushing washcloths,and towels.  It is not possible to limit her access to these items.  Is there a modification that can be done to the toilet, to prevent these items from going into the drainage system?

Answer
Hi Claudia,

Thanks for writing.  Oh yes, the 'ole towel down the toilet.  I've seen that a few hundred times.

We used to get good results with "modifying" towels to be secured to a towel rack ...whether long towel or wash cloth.  

We have also used a strainer type device that fits into the toilet and only allows liquid to go down the pipe.   While this may take extra work on staff to "empty" the strainer each shift....it will save significantly on plumbing costs!

Best Regards,
Michalene Peticca, MA

Alzheimer`s Disease

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Volunteer

Michalene Peticca

Expertise

I'd be happy to help with any questions about Alzheimer's or Dementia diseases. I can also help with Medicare, Long term care & other insurance questions.

Experience

I have my Masters degree in Geriatrics and am credentialed through the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Pennstate Milton Hershey hospital and the American Geriatrics Society. I've been in healthcare for over 20 years and worked directly with Alzheimer's and Dementia individuals for most of that time. I am also a licensed insurance agent in PA and MD. Currently i train healthcare professionals to care for Alzheimer and Dementia individuals and i have been a care manager for guardianship services in PA

Organizations
American Geriatrics Society

Education/Credentials
Masters degree in Geriatrics Licensed insurance agent in PA & MD.

Past/Present Clients
PHI Homes in Pennsylvania York, Dauphin & Adams County Area on Aging The Jewish Home of Harrisburg

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