Alzheimer's home safety tips
Care-giving for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease is a difficult task. As the disease progresses, keeping them safe in their own home is a challenge that continues to progress too.
To help you meet that challenge, we've compiled a list of Alzheimer's safety tips to prepare your home to meet that challenge. This list will take you all the way from the front door throughout the house to ensure that you can be completely prepared.
Entryway
An easy first step to the entry way is to remove throw and scatter rugs as they greatly increase fall risk.
You may also consider using non-skid wax on hardwood or tiled entryways. Another option may be to use textured strips to increase traction.
Install secure locks on all outside doors and windows and consider installing an alarm system that alerts you when doors or windows are opened. Make sure to keep a key somewhere outside the house in case the person with Alzheimer's locks you out.
Living Room
The first step here is to also remove throw or scatter rugs to prevent falls. You will also want to make sure that all carpet is tacked down (no loose corners or bumps). You should also keep all electrical cords out of walk ways. If they must traverse the remove, keep them secured to walls or baseboards.
For picture windows and sliding glass doors, you'll want to consider placing decals at eye level so that the person with Alzheimer's will be able to recognize the glass and avoid confusion.
Keep all remote controls out of site when possible.
You should never leave someone with Alzheimer's alone with an actively burning fireplace. Consider another heating source and refraining from using a fireplace whatsoever. You will also want to keep matches and cigarette lighters put away at all times as well.
Display a large font list of emergency numbers and your home address near all telephones.
Kitchen
It is important to keep all dangerous items such as knives, scissors, blades, matches, cleaning products and medications properly put away with childproof latches.
For the stove, install safety knobs and a shut off switch.
Remove any artificial decorative fruit, as someone with Alzheimer's may mistake it for something edible.
Heavily consider disconnecting your garbage disposal if you have one. A person with Alzheimer's may try to stick items in there which do not belong or their own hand without realizing what is happening.
Be sure to install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in the kitchen.
Bathroom
Remove the lock on the bathroom door. A person with Alzheimer's may easily lock themselves inside and have difficulty getting out.
You should place non-skid strips or rugs in the bathtub and, if your bathroom isn't carpeted, on the bathroom floor as well.
Install grab bars in the shower and near the toilet. Try to choose a contrasting color so that they are easy to see and distinguish.
In the bath and the bathroom sink, install a single handled faucet that mixes hot and cold water to prevent burns. You should also set your water heater at 120 F to avoid scalding water.
Remove any small electrical appliances and cover any electrical outlets with child safety covers.
Make sure to place a night light in the bathroom for middle of the night visits.
Bedroom
Place a night light in the bedroom in case the person with Alzheimer's gets out of bed to use the restroom or get a drink. Consider keep a plastic cup of water in the bedroom at night to curb middle of the night trips to the kitchen.
Consider using a baby monitor to help keep track of the person. This would be especially helpful if they are at risk for falling out of bed.
Remove any space heaters and portable fans as they can be very dangerous if tampered with.
Do not use heating pads or blankets as they are prone to fire and causing burns.
Be sure to install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors near all bedrooms.
Laundry Room
If possible, lock the door to the laundry room.
Keep any and all detergents and cleaning agents locked up. Detergent "pods" are easily consumed and can be fatal.
Garage
Preferably, access to your garage or shed should be locked at all times.
Make sure that all dangerous objects are locked away in secure cabinets. This includes tools, paint, and chemicals such as fertilizer or insecticide.
Consider covering vehicles and bicycles. This will help stifle curiosity and the thought of attempting to leave.
Sunshine Home Care is an Altus, OK home health agency serving most of Western Oklahoma. For more information on our agency, visit here or contact us today.
