Public Toilet Deficiencies Contribute to Social Isolation for Persons Living With Dementia and Their Caregivers.

Abstract

Most people living with dementia (PLWD) live at home with assistance provided by an unpaid family caregiver. Many PLWD require toileting assistance, thus leaving the home is stressful due to lack of public toilets that are accessible by PLWD and their caregivers. Many choose to stay home instead of seeking needed social interaction or schedule their activities around usable public toilet locations, which can leave PLWD and their caregivers feeling isolated, depressed, and excluded. Dementia-friendly toilets, which are unisex, large enough to accommodate assistive devices and a caregiver, and contain simple fixtures/signage, are needed. PLWD and their caregivers deserve to have the same accessibility as others, including enjoyment of leisure activities, which has been shown to improve quality of life and confidence. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, xx(x), xx-xx.].