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Toiletries in the Presence of those with Dementia

February 2, 2017

“A safe bathroom in Manor on the Hill’s Memory Care Lane”


Often overlooked in the bathrooms of those suffering from Dementia are seemingly innocent products that are potentially hazardous if ingested or used incorrectly, especially around the eyes. Unfortunately, those with dementia may not realize what they are using or may use it incorrectly, resulting in discomfort, or hospitalization.


Do you know what may cause stomach pain and possible intestinal blockage if a large amount is accidentally swallowed? Toothpaste! If it’s a fluoride toothpaste, swallowing large amounts may cause convulsions, diarrhea, heart attack, shock, tremors and weakness. It’s something we all use regularly and is often found on the counter of a home where a dementia sufferer resides without a second thought. But it’s potentially hazardous.


Topical lotions, shampoo, deodorant, shaving cream, cologne or perfume, skin barriers, aftershave, hair spray, mouthwash, nail polish and powder all carry a risk if accidentally swallowed or through improper use.


Look at the back of all products in the bathroom and see what the risks are. If there is a notation to call Poison Control if swallowed, it certainly needs to be locked away. It’s better to lock away these items and bring them out only when the dementia sufferer is using them and is supervised than suffer the guilt that will surely be there if harm befalls your loved one.

A group of elderly women are sitting around a table with plates of food

Toddlers and Centurions – Intergenerational Activities

April 1, 2021
They say “It takes a village to raise a child”; Knowledge, wisdom, and unconditional love by seniors have a lasting effect on children. Children can also bring happiness and smiles to seniors. We can reminisce about the past when extended families lived close together on the same street or in the same town and interacted frequently. Manor on the Hill (pre-pandemic) had a “Adopt a Grandparent Program” where preschool children came every month to do activities with the residents. This was the most popular activity for both generations. Meaningful activities between seniors and children can be fun and educational. Here are examples of things that the seniors can talk about bringing back nostalgic memories and educating the children at the same time: Tin of Spam: Most children will have no idea what it is however seniors will have memories of tinned meat that could be transported and stored without refrigeration. Rotary phone: Dialing numbers one-by-one, one mistake or busy line and had to start all over again Payphones and a dime in their penny-loafers to call home. Many may have used their dime for a treat at the corner store. Printed references like the phone book, TV Guide and an Encyclopedia set Gramophone records; Side A & B with a handful of songs Silent movies & news reals Rationing during the wars Games they played
A woman in a wheelchair is holding a certificate on the front page of a leominster champion newspaper

107 Year Young Manor Resident in Leominster Champion News

September 26, 2019
Norma Schofield, a resident of Manor On The Hill, celebrating her 107th birthday with family and friends. She also appeared in Leominster Champion Newspaper. Click here to read what her son has to say.
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