The laundry
This Help Sheet suggests some ways to make the laundry as useful and safe as
possible for a person with dementia, their family and carers. Not all suggestions will
suit all people or situations, but some people may find a solution to a particular
problem they are experiencing in the laundry.
If modifying the laundry becomes necessary,
try to keep the room as familiar as possible.
Don’t unnecessarily rearrange cupboards,
bench tops or change décor. The whole aim is
to simplify the laundry so that the person with
dementia can maintain their skills and
participation for as long as possible and use
the laundry safely.
Regularly check to see if the following present
a barrier to independence or safety in the
laundry:
• Taps, sink
• Cupboards and the way they are organised
• Slippery floors, loose floor coverings or
mats
• Clutter on bench tops
• Lighting and glare
• Power points and electrical leads
• Hazardous substances
Hazardous substances
Use the following checklist to check for any
hazardous materials that could cause harm:
• Household cleaning products, such as
washing up detergent, laundry detergent
and bleach
• Disinfectants
• Kerosene
Your Alzheimer’s Association can
be contacted directly on the:
Dementia Helpline
Freecall 1800 639 331
the environment and dementia
• Insecticides, sprays, pest baits and related
products
• Paints, varnish, paint solvents and putty
• Glues, insect repellents, mosquito coils
• Garden sprays
• Dry cleaning fluids
• Medicines and products for pets
These substances need to be locked away
when the person with dementia is no longer
able to read, recognise objects or distinguish
such products from food and drink. Use
latches or key locks as locks that are very
visible may offend the person’s dignity or
cause frustration.
Keep emergency numbers near the telephone,
including the Poisons Information phone
number.
What to try
Cupboards
Label cupboards if it helps the person to find
and replace things. Gradually clear out the
cupboards and reduce the number of each
type of item, keeping just a few of the most
commonly used things. If the person with
dementia can no longer use the cupboards, try
putting the most commonly used items on the
bench or an open shelf, or even take the doors
off a couple of cupboards to create open
shelving for better visibility and identification.
Each Australian State and Territory has an
Alzheimer’s Association which can provide
further information, counselling and support for
carers of people with dementia.
Sink
Install a mesh insert in the drain if the person
puts things down and blocks the pipe.
Washing machine and drier
Keep the washing machine and drier turned
off at the wall. Put an appliance latch across
the washing machine lid, if necessary, to
prevent objects being put in by mistake.
Iron
Buy an iron with an automatic cut-off switch.
Disconnect the iron after use and cool in a
high safe place. Store the iron in a locked
cupboard.
Smoke detectors
The placement of smoke detectors is
important. Detectors should be placed
between the kitchen and living areas, usually
not in kitchens and definitely not in
bathrooms and laundries.

Further help
This Help Sheet is one of a series of
sheets that summarises some of the
information in the manual At home with
dementia. The manual also contains
product information. It is available by
contacting the NSW Ageing and
Disability Department (ADD) on (02)
9367 6822 or from ADD’s website at
www.add.nsw.gov.au
A range of books, videos and Help
Sheets are available through your State
or Territory Alzheimer’s Association by
contacting the Dementia Helpline on
1800 639 331
These Help Sheets can be obtained on
the internet at www.alzvic.asn.au

The content and funding for the production of this sheet were provided by the NSW Ageing and Disability
Department under the NSW Action Plan on Dementia.

This publication provides a general summary only of the subject matter covered. Any person with
dementia or a carer for a person with dementia should seek professional advice about the specific case. Sheet 3
The Alzheimer’s Associations in Australia are not liable for any error or omission in this publication, April 2000
even if negligent.

© 2000 Alzheimer’s Association Australia