Home Safety

SAFE AT HOME

Tips to keep someone with dementia safe at home – Part 1

 

Whether your loved one is still on their own or living with you, a diagnosis of any type of dementia is a cause of concern. Safety is a major part of that concern. Adaptations will need to be planned for the home in which your loved one will live. Some things listed may not be feasible or acceptable so weighing options and challenges you will face if you do not make some changes is the first step. Part one of this information is a checklist of things to do overall.

 

1. Have a very simple and basic list of emergency numbers by each telephone. Be sure this is in large print.

2. Have the person's home address near each telephone. Be sure this is in large print.

3. Check all the locks in the home – windows and doors – and replace any that are not secure. It is advisable to remove locks from doors that only internal so that your loved one does not accidentally lock themselves in a room.

4. Have a key lock box on site with spare keys inside so that family members are able to always gain entrance to the home.

5. Verify all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly and that there is one in or near the kitchen and bedrooms in the home. Place calendar reminders for yourself to regularly check the batteries on each unit.

6. Check out the storage areas of the home for flammable and volatile chemicals. Be sure they are not stored anywhere there is a gas appliance or pilot light and if possible simply remove them from the home.

7. Look for extension cord placement. Remove any extension cords when possible or secure them against a baseboard to avoid tripping.

8. Install outlet covers on unused outlets.

9. Verify each and every room is well lit.

10. Verify there is a light switch everywhere needed and if there is not have one installed. Your loved one should have access to turn on a light when going up stairs and when going down stairs.

11. If your loved one is unsteady on their feet, make accommodations for them to stay on one floor blocking off stairways. If they are able to safely navigate stairs, be sure there is a safe and secure railing for them to use. Also be sure the surface of the steps are not slippery.

12. Have medication in a locked planner, out of reach or in an spot unknown to the person. Many hospitalizations are the result of over or under medication of a person with dementia.

13. Hide the cigarettes. If your loved one is a smoker, be sure they only smoke when someone is there to ensure safety. Be sure there are no matches or lighters in the where they can be found.

14. Remove throw rugs. These rugs are very unsafe even when they have grips under them as the corners may curl.

15. Clear the home of all weapons or lock them away.

16. Clear the home of all alcohol or lock it away. Alcohol may cause them to become more confused.

17. Remove items that are just cluttering up the living space.

18. Remove all power tools from the premises.

19. Verify the only plants in the home are non-poisonous.

20. Put safety locks on stove burner knobs.

21. Block usage of the fireplace. Be sure access to gas to the fireplace is turned off.

22. Place your loved one's phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry. Quite often persons with dementia are victims of scams.

23. If there is a motor vehicle on the premises, be sure it is disabled or the keys are removed from the home.

24. Alert neighbors that there is a person with dementia living in the home and give them a contact list. Ask them to please call if they see anything unusual or suspicious.

 

Plan ahead for your loved one's safety. More tips to come.....

 

Posted Friday, 08/12/11, 01:28 PM - Comments - Category: Alzheimers Safety

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