Home Safety is Essential for Seniors with Alzheimer’s
Most families want to keep their loved one at home for as long as possible so the person can be in familiar surroundings, so it is important to create a safe environment.
Alzheimer's disease causes a number of changes that may affect safety, including:
- Memory--forgetting how to use household appliances
- Sense of time and location--getting lost on one's own street
- Behavior--becoming easily confused, afraid, or suspicious
- Physical ability--having trouble with balance, getting up or down stairs, or using the bathroom
- Senses--experiencing changes in vision, hearing, sensitivity to temperatures or depth perception
Tips for creating a safe environment at home:
- Make sure to keep fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in the house and test them regularly to make sure they are working.
- Lock any hazard areas or cover the doors or locks so that they are disguised. Place locks either high or low on doors to make them less obvious.
- Remove locks in bathrooms or bedrooms so he cannot get locked inside.
- Use child-proof locks and door knob covers on drawers and cupboards that have dangerous materials inside, such as knives, cleaning liquids and appliances.
- Use appliances that have an automatic shut-off feature, and keep appliances away from sinks and other sources of water.
- If you are concerned about the person using the stove, install a hidden gas valve or circuit breaker that prevents it from being turned on, or consider removing the knobs from the burners.
- Store dangerous tools and items in a secure place.
- Remove any toxic plants or decorative fruits that she might mistakenly try to eat.
- Keep medications in a locked area.
- Install safety equipment in the bathroom, such as grab bars, to prevent falls.
- Add non-slip stickers to slippery surfaces such as tile floors and loose rugs, or remove rugs
- Use good lighting at entries, outside landings, between rooms, on stairways and in bathrooms.
- Keep emergency numbers by the phone for quick access.