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

For Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness month, Assisting Hands West Houston has put together this guide on home safety for Alzheimer’s patients. Ensure your loved one remains safe in their home with these vital safety considerations and tips.

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease where brain cells die, affecting a person’s memory and cognitive abilities. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, and accounts for 60-80% of all cases. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s.

Since it’s progressive, Alzheimer’s worsens over time, and though early symptoms may be subtle, the disease eventually becomes debilitating. Initial symptoms include mild memory loss and confusion. Late-stage symptoms include complete inability to respond to one’s environment, including the inability to talk, walk, and swallow. 

How Alzheimer’s Disease Affects Patient Safety

Because Alzheimer’s Disease causes a severe decline in cognitive function, every aspect of an individual’s life is affected. As Alzheimer’s progresses, it affects a person’s ability to think clearly, make decisions, perform everyday tasks, and generally care for themselves. Patients also commonly 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. Specifically, 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 cognition deteriorates, routine and otherwise safe 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.

In Home Safety for Alzheimer’s Patients

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

While it is by no means an extensive checklist, use the home safety precautions for Alzheimer’s Disease below to help create a safe environment for your loved one. 

Eliminate Tripping Hazards To Prevent Falls

Falls are among the most common causes of injury for people with Alzheimer’s. Fortunately, caregivers can help mitigate this risk with careful considerations 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
• Remove or secure rugs
• Ensure that bath and kitchen mats are non-slip
• Place non-slip shower mats inside tubs and showers
• Install or upgrade lighting in dim areas
• Install grab bars throughout the patient’s home, especially in bathrooms and stairways

Fire Safety

Alzheimer’s seriously affects a patient’s memory. Because of this, people with Alzheimer’s Disease may forget basic safety precautions concerning stove burners, candles, or other appliances. To ensure fire safety for those with Alzheimer’s Disease, consider implementing these safety precautions:

• Install smoke detectors and routinely check their batteries and operation status
• Install carbon monoxide detectors and regularly check their batteries and operation status
• Install 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 living space. As previously mentioned, it is not uncommon for people with Alzheimer’s Disease to forget routine kitchen safety measures. Caregivers should proactively do the following to help 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 drawers and cabinets that are non-essential or contain high-risk items, such as those with sharp or flammable items
• Supervise all kitchen activity, especially as the disease progresses

Medication Management

Though commonly overlooked, medication management is one of the most vital safety considerations for Alzheimer’s Disease patients. For some patients, as little as one missed pill or incorrect dosage can have serious health consequences. To help your loved one manage their medications, consider following these safety tips:

• Set alarms or other reminders for when it is 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 management, contact Assisting Hands West Houston for in home care for Alzheimer’s patients in Katy, TX

Wandering Prevention

As Alzheimer’s progresses, patients grow increasingly confused about where they are and what they’re doing. Sometimes, patients will wander outside of their home and are unable to find their way back safely. 

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 the risk of wandering:

• Install locks on exterior-facing doors, especially if the patient is prone to wandering
• Alert trusted neighbors who can assist if needed
• Store house keys and garage remotes 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 Houston Can Help

Ensuring the home safety for Alzheimer’s patients requires a proactive, multi-faceted approach. As the disease progresses, caregivers must remember to frequently re-evaluate the home for safety concerns. Implementing home safety precautions for Alzheimer’s helps bring peace of mind to family and other caregivers.

At Assisting Hands West Houston, our qualified caregivers are trained to give compassionate care to those with Alzheimer’s or dementia. We understand how overwhelming it can be for caregivers to ensure their loved one’s home is a safe environment, and we’re here to help. Contact us today by using the chat box on this page or by calling us directly at (281) 369-5858.