Keeping an Alzheimer's sufferer safe can be a challenge for caregivers. Perhaps the best way to describe what you need to do is to "childproof" your home as if the sufferer were a small child. The November issue of Better Homes and Gardens magazine has a good article on Page 120 on keeping your elderly parents safe.
This web site has a wonderful checklist to follow to help you make your home a safe environment. The Caregiver Network of Canada has a large database of information in the Caregiver Info section under its Health and Daily Resources topic to assist the caregiver.
Some household modifications to consider are:
- Place a child safety gate at the top of stairways.
- Remove or place knick-knacks out of reach.
- Remove or secure throw rugs firmly to the floor.
- Install childproof latches on cupboards and keep the Poison Control number close by.
- Remove poisonous houseplants or replace with those that are not poisonous. Many Alzheimer's sufferers will eat them.
- Small objects such as pins, buttons, needles, etc. should be put out of reach. The AD sufferer may swallow them.
- Make sure that access to the outside is monitored. The AD sufferer may wander. You may want to enroll them in a Safe Return program. Contact your local Alzheimer's Association for enrollment information.
- Remove the knobs from your range when not in use.
- Discourage smoking and keep flammable items out of reach.
- Lower the temperature of your water heater to prevent scalding, a common Alzheimer's accident.
- Use your common sense. If it can hurt a child, it can hurt your loved one.
- Add extra lighting in hallways, on stairs. Sudden changes in lighting levels can disorient your loved one.
- Supervise medications, keep them out of reach. Keep emergency phone numbers at hand.
- Clean the refridgerator regularly. Throw out inedible foods.
- Install grab bars and elevated toilet seats in the bathrooms. Use non-slip mats in the shower.
- Consider covering electrical outlets to prevent accidental shocks.
- Have smoke detectors on each level of your home, test them frequently and make sure your loved one knows what the loud sound means. This may require frequent tests but is well worth it.
- Consider moving your loved one's room to the first floor if possible.
- If your loved one wanders at night, use a baby monitor to alert you.
There are many things you can do to make a safe environment for your loved one. Visit the highlighted links within this article to get more ideas on what you can do to keep your home a safe place.
 |
 |
Go To Page: 1 2
