I’ve got a problem here – my dad (age 86) is turning on & leaving on the hot water in his shower. I think he falls asleep. This has happened a number of times, and the water may run for hours.
Anyone know of any devices that would allow the water to run only for a set time, like the timers for sprinkler systems?
Thanks all
Replies
Leaving the water on is just one symptom of a larger problem. He needs somebody around 24/7. My father was like that the last couple years. Spend some time with him while you still can.
-- J.S.
IMHO JOHN SPRUNG has hit the nail on the head. FWIW, good call.
The water running is just a symptom. The man needs help. Families, from what I understand, can do some of this on their own but consulting a sympathetic mental health professional experienced in geriatric issues will give better and more fulsome results.
There may be underlying and cross-linked medical, physical and psychological problems. These professionals can also get you in touch with support groups, some of them are on-line, that can provide moral support and guidance from the care givers perspective.
I appreciate all who replied, and the concern that came with those replies - I have lived with my father since last Sept. when my mother died, and so, I'm spending a great deal of time with him, so that's really not an issue. Symptom of a larger problem? - absolutely, he has hydrocephalus (fluid pressure on the brain) - doctors do not want to risk putting a shunt (to drain the fluid) in at his age. He has good days (few) & bad days.
The water temp is set such that it's not too hot even if there is no cold mixed in, so scalding is not a problem. He is usually in the shower (sometimes asleep, I think) with the water going - sometimes before I'm awake. I can't be with him constantly, and there are a number of issues which I haven't discussed here that make a 24/7 watch, if not impossible, certainly beyond what I can do.
Again, thanks to all - I'll try Kohler.
I agree with John and 4Lorn.
Kohler makes timming out faucets.
Don, someday your dad is gonna get into the shower while that hot water is running. You need some help with this, and quick.
Joe H
One other thought. As people get older they are neither as able to sense temperature changes or to react to extreme temperatures. You might want to invest in an anti-scald faucet or shower control. Hot water can scald in a few seconds. Perhaps faster than dad can get clear.
It has happened that people, particularly older people or those on medication to seriously burn themselves without being aware of the problem before being too late. This also might help with dad snoozing and someone flushing a toilet.