How To Keep A Loved One With Alzheimer's Disease Safe In Your Home
Posted on: 25 April 2016
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If you live with a loved one with dementia and Alzheimer's Disease there are many things you can do to safeguard and care for them in your home. Many times a person with Alzheimer's can no longer recognize common household objects or hazardous situations. With a little forethought and organization, you can make your home a safe refuge for your loved one so they do not become disoriented or anxious. Here are a few adjustments that you can make to your home to keep your loved one safe and comfortable:
- Simplify Your Home - Clean up areas with clutter and lots of different objects on desks and shelves. Those areas could either be confusing to someone with dementia or they could be the source of endless fascination. Either way, it is best to put all papers, knickknacks, and other household objects away and out of sight to prevent accidents from happening.
- Remove Interior Door Locks - It is best to remove all interior door locks so that your loved one cannot lock themselves in a room where you cannot get to them. This is especially important on bathrooms and bedrooms in your home.
- Lock Up Cleaning Products and Chemicals - Put a lock on cupboards that contain potentially dangerous chemicals such as paint remover, turpentine, strong soaps, insecticides, and cleaning products. These products can be dangerous if spilled or used incorrectly. Also, put matches away in a locked cupboard or cabinet. Lock all of these things up so that you do not have to worry about your loved one getting into them.
- Childproof Electrical Outlets - Install childproof plugs on all electrical outlets that are not in current use. Also, secure all electrical cords that connect lamps and appliances with their respective electrical outlets by tacking them in place. Run electrical cords underneath carpeting to prevent your loved one from tripping over them and falling.
- Make Stairways Safe - Mark the edges of stair steps with brightly colored tape or paint so that your loved one can easily see them when walking in the house. Install a baby gate at the top and bottom of stairways so that your loved one will not try to use the stairs by themselves and possibly fall.
- Cushion All Furniture Corners - Put soft plastic furniture corners on all tables and shelf corners to keep your loved one from hurting themselves if they run into them. This extra padding can prevent serious injury and cuts on your loved one's delicate skin.
- Post Helpful Signs - You can guide your loved one by posting a sign or two in your home to direct them to their room, the living room, or the kitchen, or keep them from hurting themselves. Use an image or drawing on the sign to illustrate your message visually.
These are only a few of the small adjustments and changes that you can make to your home to keep your loved one safe. You can go through your own home and check out every nook and cranny with your loved one's safety in mind. With a bit of planning and careful adjustments, you can keep your loved one safe and comfortable in your home for a long time. For more information on other living arrangements for your relative, consider contacting a company like Alta Ridge Communities.