Home Safety Rules For Your Alzheimer’s Loved One
Over time, Alzheimer’s patients are less able to manage on their own. While, medical issues can be managed, agitation, wandering, and absent-mindedness can not. In fact, it is easier to change and safety proof an area than it is to try changing an Alzheimer’s patients behavior.
Home Safety: Rules For Alzheimer’s Sufferers
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) has formulated a safety handbook for caregivers who are tasked with caring for an Alzheimer’s sufferer.
In the house itself, institute the following safety measures:
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in or near the kitchen and in all bedrooms
- Emergency phone numbers (ambulance, poison control, doctors, hospital, etc.) and the person’s address near all phones
- Safety knobs and an automatic shut-off switch on the stove
- Childproof plugs for unused electrical outlets and childproof latches on cabinet doors.
Lock up the following items as these are potentially dangerous in the hands of Alzheimer’s patients:
- Prescription and over-the-counter medicines
- Cleaning and household products, such as paint thinner and matches
- Poisonous plants—contact the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222
- Guns and other weapons, scissors, knives, power tools, and machinery
- Gasoline cans and other dangerous items in the garage
Home Safety: Make The Rooms Safe
Alzheimer’s patients, the majority are senior citizens who are more susceptible to falls and injuries. Therefore, all obstacles need to be removed, so that navigation is clear and easy. The NIA recommends the following:
- Simplify the home. Minimize the amount of furniture in the house.
- Get rid of clutter, such as piles of newspapers and magazines.
- Sturdy handrail on all stairways. in Alzheimer’s Patients
- Put carpet on stairs, and mark the edges of steps with brightly colored tape so the person can see them more easily.
- Put a gate across the stairs if the person has balance problems.
- Use rugs with nonskid backing.
- Make sure cords to electrical outlets are out of the way or tacked to baseboards.
- Clean up spills right away.
- Make sure all rooms are well lit.
Home Safety: Recognize Limitations In Alzheimer’s Patients
Alzheimer’s disease affects the senses. Vision, smell, touch, depth perception, and hearing are all negatively impacted. As such, the NIA recommends you take the following safety measures:
- Make floors and walls different colors. This creates contrast and makes it easier for the person to see.
- Remove curtains and rugs with busy patterns that may confuse the person.
- Mark the edges of steps with brightly colored tape so people can see the steps as they go up or down stairs.
- Use brightly colored signs or simple pictures to label the bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen.
- Limit the size and number of mirrors in your home, and think about where to put them. Mirror images may confuse the person with Alzheimer’s disease.
- Use dishes and place mats in contrasting colors for easier identification.
Home Safety: Grand HealthCare & Rehabilitation
If you are considering a skilled nursing home for your loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, our state of the art facilities and experienced and professional staff will appeal to you.
Please call us to schedule your tour, 888.215.0660.