When providing dementia and/or Alzheimer's care for your elderly loved one, it is crucial to ensure they are in a safe and supportive environment where their needs are met and there is a low risk of injury. Making sure their home is designed to meet all of their needs will make their life safer and easier. To help reduce the risk of injuries, here are a few tips to help ensure their home is safe.
Cabinet and Door Locks
Someone with dementia and/or Alzheimer's may attempt to wander, so it is essential that access is limited to the outdoors as well as all dangerous areas inside of the home, such as the basement. To disguise locks on interior doors, consider painting them the same color as the door or covering them with a small cloth. All exterior doors should have a deadbolt installed on either the top or bottom of the door. Remove locks from bedroom and bathroom doors to prevent them from getting locked in. All cabinets that contain chemicals and cleaners should have childproof locks installed.
Prevent Burns
At some point, it will become more difficult for your loved one with dementia and/or Alzheimer's to do the daily activities that were once familiar to them. To prevent burns, it important to check the temperature of their foods and beverages to ensure they aren't too hot. It is also important to turn the temperature down on the hot water heater.
Reduce Bright Lights
Unfortunately, as the disease progresses, your loved one's vision may change, making it more difficult for them to distinguish colors and to understand what they are seeing. To make visibility easier, especially in areas such as the bathroom, install non-glare light bulbs or install shades over globe lights. Installing window blinds or shades will help to diffuse the sunlight; however, make sure to have good lighting in the rooms where window coverings are installed. To prevent trips and falls at night, place several nightlights throughout the house.
Kitchen Safety
Your loved one with Alzheimer's may have difficulty determining when food has spoiled, so make sure to regularly clean out the refrigerator to prevent them from eating something that has spoiled. To prevent slipping and falling on tile flooring, remove all throw rugs or install a non-slip backing on them. It is common for those with dementia and/or Alzheimer's to forget things, so remove the burner knobs from the stove to ensure they aren't cooking on the stove when home alone.
Making small changes will help to keep your loved one safe and secure in their home. If they live alone, you should consider hiring a home care provider that is experienced with Alzheimer's care to help around the house and to ensure your loved one is safe.
To learn more, contact a company like Wellspring Meadows Assisted Living.
