Alzheimer’s disease can be difficult for both patients and their loved ones. Alzheimer's patients need to be handled with patience and compassion in the comfort of their homes. However, the home environment, which was once safe for them, may become dangerous because of changes in their perceptions and abilities. Read on to learn more about home safety of your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s patients’ safety is important because the disease changes your loved one’s cognitive abilities that can affect their safety.
Alzheimer’s disease causes spatial memory because of that your loved one may get lost easily, even in familiar places.
Your loved one may forget the basic safety measures they have followed and misread the dangers in situations.
Changes in vision, hearing, depth perception and sensation of temperature may cause them to not notice the dangers in their environment.
Your loved one may easily become fearful, confused, or suspicious, which can affect their safety.
You can make sure your home environment is safe to provide 24-hour in-home care for your loved one with Alzheimer’s. Here are some tips to ensure the safety of a loved one with Alzheimer’s at home.
Alzheimer’s patients may be at risk in certain places of the home or outdoors. You should pay special attention to workrooms, garages, closets with cleaning supplies, and other areas in your home that may be dangerous to them. Keep the dangerous items away from the patients.
Kitchen appliances, knives, and stovetops may be dangerous to the patients. Install a stove and kitchen appliances with automatic shut-off features, remove the knobs, and keep your knives away from easy access.
Make sure to add extra light to entries, doorways, stairways, and bathrooms. Use night lights in bedrooms, hallways, and corridors to reduce disorientation, and prevent accidents.
For the safety of Alzheimer’s patients, add grab bars to the shower or tub, and at the edge of the vanity. Add textured stickers to slippery surfaces and use adhesives to keep carpets and rugs in place.
Install deadbolts at a higher or lower position on exterior doors to make it difficult for your loved one to wander out of the house. For easy access, keep an extra set of keys hidden near the door. Remove locks in the bathroom or bedrooms to prevent your loved ones with Alzheimer’s’ getting locked inside.
Keep the surfaces and floors clutter-free by removing objects like magazine racks, tables, floor lamps, flower pots, etc. This will help prevent trips and falls.
To make sure that medications are taken safely, use a pillbox organizer, or you can prepare a daily list and check off each medicine as it is taken. Also, place medications in a locked drawer or cabinet to keep it away from children.
If you cannot be available for your loved one all the time, an in-home caregiver can take care of your loved one when you are not available. They assist your loved one in their routine activities and can keep them safe and comfortable.
When you are taking care of your elderly parent who has Alzheimer’s disease, it becomes essential to ensure home safety for them. While taking safety measures, try not to create a home with too many restrictions—instead, clear areas for activities that should encourage independence and promote social interaction.
If you need assistance in creating a safe home environment for an Alzheimer's patient, contact us at 949.514.8303.
