I'm my dad's DPOA, Health Care Proxy, he has been flushing things like razor blades, and trash and the toilet is not flushing correctly. I'm hoping it isn't the septic ? The first time I asked about the razor he said I forgot, but when I saiid something about paper he flipped out. "I have been doing it for years." I simple asked if he had forgotten again. Then explained how a septic is not meant for those thing and if he continues it could cause problems and cost a lot of money. Well he got so upset and stewed over me telling hi that he said he wants me to move out by the first of the year. Well I know I can't just leave him for legal reasons, so I have put in a call to the local Elderly Services who I have been in contact with before. I never want to go this route but he can't be reasoned with. Am I doing it right ?
My loved one started out doing odd things like throwing banana peels in the front yard. You say your dad has a heart condition, but I was look out for dementia too, if he is doing things that are problematic, costly and his memory is poor.
Pam, when we have our septic tank pumped, it goes straight into the "honey wagon", the big tank truck that the guy brings to the house. I never see anything that is pumped out, and frankly wouldn't want to. A few months ago, it cost us $375, but that was the first time in many years.
We replaced our toilets with supercharged flushers, elongated seats, comfort height. Made a world of difference. The watersaver toilets don't always use enough water to make stuff go on down the pipes and then they get stuck to the sides and eventually build up and clogs happen. Definitely something for anyone to consider, septic or sewer, because no one likes to deal with clogged toilets. Also make sure the pipes in the yard aren't clogged with tree roots or something. Use a bacteria toilet additive.
You might try something to cover the bowl except when it is being used as a toilet. What comes to mind is a "hat" like they use in the hospital. Then it could be removed for toileting (or even left in place if you are monitoring output). Be SURE there is a wastebasket within easy sight and reach of your father while he is shaving. He may be flushing the razor blades so that no one gets hurt disposing of them. I don't have to tell you to use a liner in the wastebasket, ha ha. Sometimes the obvious answers are the ones we miss.
As a last resort, disconnect the chain from the handle inside the toilet tank so that it can't be flushed. Then you can remove offensive items from the bowl and then reach into the tank and lift the chain or stopper and allow the toilet to flush.
People with dementia really can't be reasoned with. And on top of that, they don't like the idea that they are being babied or that they are doing something wrong. Don't take what your father says personally until he packs your suitcase and says aren't you gone yet?
What would Elderly Services do?