As we age, we will have slightly different requirements when it comes to our home environment. Many older people move into single-story homes so that they don’t have the challenge of walking up and down stairs several times a day. You might need to install grab rails in the bathroom and flooring that is less slippery. Changes like these help us to avoid common risks we might face in our homes.
For people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, these risks are even greater. Alzheimer’s can affect both cognitive and motor functions, making accidents all the more likely. So, if you are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, home safety should be one of your top priorities. Here are some safety tips to help you prepare your home for Alzheimer’s care.
Remove locks from interior doors
You should remove the locks from bathroom doors and any other rooms that have locks on interior doors. Someone with Alzheimer’s might lock the door behind them and then be unable to get out, causing them a lot of distress and potential injury.
Keep medication out of reach
Your loved one probably has different medications to take throughout the day. It is important to support them with their medication regime and keep everything locked away or out of reach in between times. They may forget that they’ve already had their dose and end up taking too much.
Remove trip hazards
Floors should be kept as clutter-free as possible to avoid tripping. Eliminate any loose wires by repositioning appliances or tacking the wires to walls. You may also need to reposition any furniture that juts out.
Make sure your home is well-lit
Light your home well, especially in hallways and around the stairs if you live in a multi-story property. You may need to leave lights on at night so that it is easier for your loved one to find their way if they need to use the bathroom in the night.
Cover hot surfaces
Alzheimer’s sufferers are prone to burning and scalding themselves on hot surfaces, flames, and hot water. You can install safety covers around heaters to cover these hot surfaces, add safety knobs to stoves, and keep things like matches and lighters locked away. Also, lower the temperature of the hot water on your water heater settings.
You can visit alzheimers.net for more tips on Alzheimer’s home safety. At Bermuda Village, we provide various levels of care depending on the condition and abilities of our residents, from independent living to assisted living and rehabilitative care. Get in touch if you need additional care support in Bermuda Run.
