June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month—a time to honor those affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, raise awareness about brain health, and promote support for caregivers. 

Alzheimer’s Disease is devastating, both for those diagnosed and their families, and leads to significant changes in a person’s ability to safely care for themselves. Therefore, it is vital for caregivers to proactively establish an extensive safety plan that prevents harm and improves their loved one’s quality of life. 

At Assisting Hands West Austin, we are dedicated to helping those with Alzheimer’s live safely in their own homes for as long as possible. Continue reading to learn more about essential safety considerations for Alzheimer’s Disease, including practical applications for protecting diagnosed individuals in their daily lives.

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s Disease, or known simply as Alzheimer’s, is a progressive, degenerative biological disease that affects an individual’s memory and cognitive abilities. It is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all cases, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Alzheimer’s worsens over time and causes brain cells to die and the brain to shrink. Initial symptoms include mild memory loss and confusion, while late-stage progression symptoms include complete inability to respond to one’s environment, including the inability to talk, walk, and swallow. At this time, Alzheimer’s has no cure. 

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and Its Impact on Safety

Because Alzheimer’s causes a serious decline in cognitive function, all aspects of an individual’s life are affected. As the disease progresses, it affects an individual’s ability to think clearly, make decisions, perform everyday tasks, and generally care for themselves. It is also common for patients to experience confusion, irritability, behavior changes, and difficulty recognizing familiar people, which can lead to intense bouts of suspicion.

These impairments make way for numerous safety concerns. In particular, patients experiencing the above symptoms are at increased risk of falling, wandering into unsafe places, and the inability to recognize when they are in danger or doing something dangerous. 

As an individual’s cognitive abilities deteriorate, normal behaviors, such as using kitchen utensils and appliances, can quickly become unsafe. Implementing safety considerations for Alzheimer’s Disease can greatly mitigate risk and create a more peaceful, comfortable environment for patients and caregivers alike.

Home Safety Considerations for Alzheimer’s Disease

As mentioned above, the effects of Alzheimer’s Disease can make otherwise familiar places, actions, and behaviors unsafe and unfamiliar to the patient. Creating a safe living environment is essential when caring for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease. 

While this is by no means an extensive checklist, use the below at-home safety considerations for Alzheimer’s Disease to help formulate a safety plan for your loved one. 

Eliminating Tripping Hazards and Preventing Falls

Falls are one of the most common causes of injury for people with Alzheimer’s. However, many of these incidents can be prevented with careful precautions and proactivity. Use the suggestions below to make your patient’s living space as safe and comfortable as possible:

• Remove clutter, especially in frequently traveled areas
• Consider removing or securing rugs
• Ensure bath and kitchen mats are non-slip
• Place non-slip shower mats inside tubs and showers
• Upgrade or install lighting in dim areas
• Install grab bars throughout the living space, especially in bathrooms and stairways

Fire Safety

Alzheimer’s Disease has a severe impact on a patient’s memory. Because of this, people with Alzheimer’s might forget basic safety protocols around stove burners, candles, or other appliances. To ensure fire safety for people with Alzheimer’s Disease, consider implementing these preventative measures:

• Install smoke detectors and routinely check their batteries and operation status
• Install carbon monoxide detectors and routinely check their batteries and operation status
• Implement stove safety devices, such as automatic burner shut-offs
• Store lighters, matches, and other flammable items somewhere out of reach

Kitchen Safety

For people with Alzheimer’s Disease, the kitchen can quickly become one of the most hazardous rooms in the home. As mentioned above, it is not uncommon for people with Alzheimer’s to forget routine kitchen safety measures. Caregivers should proactively do the following to mitigate risks in the kitchen:

• Remove and store any small non-essential appliances, such as blenders and toasters, until they are ready to use
• Clearly label cabinets and drawers with the contents inside
• Install safety locks on any non-essential or increased risk cabinets and drawers, such as those with sharp or flammable items
• Supervise all kitchen activity when necessary, especially as the disease progresses

Medication Management

Medication management is one of the most commonly overlooked (but also most necessary) safety considerations for Alzheimer’s Disease patients. In fact, for some people, as little as one missed pill or incorrect dosage can have serious health consequences. To help protect your loved one, follow these safety suggestions:

• Set alarms or other reminders for when it’s time to take medication
• Use a pill organizer (some are even locked and automatic dispensing) to categorize medicines by time of day, day, or week
• Dispose of unused or expired medications
• Supervise when necessary, especially as the disease progresses
• For help with medication reminders, contact Assisting Hands West Austin for in home care for Alzheimer’s patients in Austin, TX

Wandering Prevention

As Alzheimer’s Disease progresses, patients grow increasingly confused about where they are and where they need to be. Sometimes, patients will wander outside of their living space and are not able to find their way back home. 

This experience can be frightening to all involved, and have serious consequences if the patient is not found early or the opportunity to wander is not eliminated entirely. Follow these suggestions to mitigate risk:

• Alert trusted neighbors who can assist if needed
• Store house keys and garage remotes somewhere out of reach
• Keep fence gates locked at all times
• Ask the Alzheimer’s patient to wear an ID bracelet to help identify them, where they live, and their medical needs

Read more about Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month with our “10 Ways To Love Your Brain” checklist.

How Assisting Hands West Austin Can Help

Ensuring the safety of a patient with Alzheimer’s Disease requires a proactive, multi-faceted approach. Because this is a progressive disease, caregivers must frequently evaluate and re-evaluate their safety plan. As well as keeping them safe, implementing safety considerations for Alzheimer’s Disease patients helps bring peace of mind to family and other loved ones.

Putting these precautions into place can be an overwhelming task. Assisting Hands West Austin is here to help — our home care experts can advise on how to handle in-home safety concerns for Alzheimer’s and dementia individuals. Contact us today by using the chat box on this page or by calling us directly at 512-999-7379.