Caring for a loved one who’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease is a daunting and stressful prospect. It can be emotionally jarring to watch over family members who are struggling to complete sentences, have trouble with the simplest tasks of daily living, and may not recognize people they’ve known their entire lives. If you’ve taken on the responsibility of being sole or primary caregiver, you face a new reality when it comes to keeping your relative safe. Dementia and the debilitating effects of Alzheimer’s can turn common household objects into lethal dangers. Even the layout of your home may threaten the well-being of an individual who’s in your care. Establishing a safe environment can alleviate much of your stress and help you provide a loving, secure home.
Safety risks are often very hard to identify because they’re so difficult to predict. A person who’s always moved freely and without incident around a house they’ve lived in for years may suddenly start tripping over once-familiar objects. It can be a bewildering experience for caregivers, who may experience guilt, anxiety, and depression as they feel their way along, relying on trial and error. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to protect your loved one from harm.
Preventing falls
According to the National Institute on Aging, one in three seniors is injured every year by falling in the bathroom. For someone with Alzheimer’s, the bathroom can be an especially dangerous place. Well-anchored grab rails should be installed both inside and outside the bathtub and alongside the toilet. Rubber mats should also be placed inside the bathtub (or shower) and in front of the sink. Remember that a poorly lit bathroom is a dangerous place for your care subject. Make sure that bright lighting is installed, and that switches are within easy reach.
Controlled access
Wandering is a common problem with Alzheimer’s patients. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6 of every ten people suffering from dementia wander away; sadly, some are never found or are discovered too late. That’s why it’s so important to control access to exterior doors and to certain rooms. Front, back, and side doors and all windows should have locks. Doors that require a key should have deadbolts. If the person in your care has trouble using locks inside the house, make sure that all locks are removed from bathroom doors. Car keys should be kept out of sight.
Toileting
People with dementia often have problems with toileting, either because they don’t get to the bathroom in time or have trouble using the toilet. You can help by clearing the way and making sure bathrooms and hallways are well-lit (motion sensors can be a big help). Keep the toilet lid up, and cover the mirror so they don’t get confused and avoid going to the bathroom because they think someone else is in the room. Consider replacing pants that have buttons and zippers with elastic waist bands to make it easier when they get to the toilet.
Service dogs
Service dogs are trained to perform a number of tasks designed to keep Alzheimer’s patients safe. They can be a highly useful alternative when a live-in caregiver has to be away. Service dogs prevent the care subject from leaving the house alone and can also help with daily tasks, like helping locate medication or clothes. Dogs are also friendly companions and can encourage an Alzheimer’s patient to have more confidence socially.
A safe environment
If your care subject has Alzheimer’s, it’s your responsibility to maintain a safe living environment. Remember that loved ones will need help with many things that you once took for granted they could do for themselves. Taking a few common precautions can help you anticipate risks and prevent accidents.
Photo Credit
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Guest Author Bio
Marie Villeza
Marie Villeza hopes to fight ageism by connecting seniors with the resources they need to live happy, healthy lives. To aid her efforts, she developed ElderImpact.org, which offers senior citizens and their caregivers resources and other advice that will help them make the best decisions for their lives in an ever-changing world.
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