Safety At Home For People With Dementia

By Alzheimer's Association

A person with Alzheimer's disease or dementia can live at home as long as safety measures are in place. As the disease progresses, safety may be affected by changes in the person's brain and body, including

Judgment forgetting how to use household appliances.

Sense of time and place getting lost on one's own street; being unable to recognize or find familiar areas in the home.

Behavior becoming easily confused, suspicious or fearful.

Physical ability having trouble with balance; depending upon a walker or wheelchair to get around.

Senses experiencing changes in vision, hearing, sensitivity to temperatures or depth perception.

With some creativity, flexibility and problem solving, the home can be adapted to support these changes. Following are tips to assist you in creating a safe environment for your loved one.

Assess Your Home

Look at your home through the eyes of a person with dementia. What objects could injure the person? Identify possible areas of danger. Is it easy to get outside or to other dangerous areas like the kitchen, garage or basement?

Lock or Disguise Hazardous Areas

Cover doors and locks with a painted mural or cloth. Use “Dutch” (half) doors, swinging doors or folding doors to hide entrances to the kitchen, stairwell, workroom and storage areas.

Install Locks Out of Sight

Place deadbolts either high or low on exterior doors to make it difficult for the person to wander out of the house. Keep an extra set of keys hidden near the door for easy access. Remove locks in bathrooms or bedrooms so the person cannot get locked inside.

Keep Walkways Well-lit

Add extra lights to entries, doorways, stairways, and bathrooms. Use night lights in hallways, bedrooms and bathrooms to prevent accidents and reduce disorientation.

Remove Tripping Hazards

Keep floors and other surfaces clutter-free. Remove objects like magazine racks, coffee tables and floor lamps.

Watch the Temperature of Water and Food

It may be difficult for the person with dementia to tell the difference between hot and cold. Set water temperature at 120 degrees or less to prevent scalding.

Place Medications In a Locked Drawer or Cabinet

To help ensure that medications are taken safely, use a pill box organizer or keep a daily list and check off each medication as it is taken.

Remove and Disable Guns or Other Weapons

A weapon's presence in the home of a person with dementia may lead to unexpected danger. Dementia can cause a person to mistakenly believe that a familiar caregiver is an intruder.

Be Prepared For Emergencies

Keep a list of emergency phone numbers and addresses for local police and fire departments, hospitals and poison control helplines. Consider registering the person in MedicAlert+ Alzheimer's Association Safe Return, a 24-hour nationwide emergency response service for memory-impaired individuals who wander or have a medical emergency.

Taking measures to improve safety can prevent injuries and help a person with dementia feel more relaxed, less overwhelmed and maintain his or her independence longer.