You realize your aging loved one with Alzheimer’s disease is especially vulnerable to home accidents. It’s important to be equipped with methods to safeguard your family member. Below are some insightful ways to do this.
One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide homecare services. Turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.
Effects of Alzheimer’s on Home Safety
When planning how to protect your loved one, it helps to understand the impairments Alzheimer’s causes. This way, you’ll recognize potential hazards as you survey the home. Here are the challenges of living with Alzheimer’s and the ways it impacts senior safety.
- Confusion regarding time and place – Wandering outside and getting lost
- Cognitive decline – Improperly using household appliances
- Diminished heat and cold sensation – Possible skin damage, such as burns
- Altered vision, balance, and depth perception – High risk of falls
- Personality and behavioral changes – Possible fear, suspicion, and aggression
- Poor judgment – Acting unwisely
Now picture scoping out your loved one’s home to spot ways to increase his or her safety. Here are specific rooms and the cautionary measures to take in each one. These tips are meant to be helpful suggestions, so pick the modifications that are practical for you to implement.
Kitchen
- Choose appliances that shut off automatically.
- Remove stove knobs to prevent household fires and skin burns.
- If the sink has a garbage disposal, disconnect it.
- Keep the kitchen table and counters clear of seasonings, plants, and artificial produce. They pose ingestion hazards.
- Lock up cleaning supplies and matches.
- Place sharp objects such as knives beyond your loved one’s reach.
- On a kitchen wall, post the phone numbers for the local poison control center, police precinct, fire department, and hospital. Also add the contact numbers to your phone.
Bathroom
- Set the water heater temperature to 120 degrees F (48 degrees C) to prevent scalds.
- Place slip-resistant mats and appliqués on the tub or shower floor.
- Install grab bars on bathroom walls and around the toilet.
- Provide a shower chair for bathing.
- Keep medications and toiletries in locked cabinets.
Bedroom
- Station a chair near your loved one’s bed to promote his or her safety when dressing.
- Ensure closet shelves are within easy reach.
- Avoid keeping an electric blanket on your loved one’s bed to prevent burns.
Living Room
- Ensure chairs have armrests to make sitting down and rising easier.
- Remove mirrors and artwork under glass. Seeing his or her reflection could frighten your loved one due to altered perception. Instead, consider hanging pictures of familiar places and people.
Throughout the Home
- Replace interior door locks with latches above eye level. Otherwise, your loved one may trap him or herself inside a room.
- Anchor rugs with double-sided tape to avert falls. Remove black rugs and mats, which can resemble holes to a person with Alzheimer’s.
- Keep the floors free of clutter and power cords.
- Install night lights in the bathrooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
- Mark the edges of stairs with brightly colored tape to make them more visible.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional senior home care. Fremont families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Deterring Wandering
Research has revealed several ways to hinder wandering in people with Alzheimer’s. An easy and effective strategy is camouflaging home exits. One option is painting an exit door the same color as the adjacent walls. Because the door blends in with the walls, your loved one likely won’t recognize it.
If your senior loved one has Alzheimer’s and needs help managing daily tasks, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of Alzheimer’s care. Fremont Assisting Hands Home Care provides reliable caregivers around the clock to help your loved one age in place safely and comfortably while living with Alzheimer’s disease. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (510) 270-4948 to learn more about our high-quality home care services.