SAFE AT HOME (Part 2)

 SAFE AT HOME

 Tips to Keep Someone With Dementia Safe at Home – Part 2

Some time ago I heard one of the most memorable statements ever made on the topic of falling. Louis Tenenbaum, an expert in the area of aging in place, delivered it during a webinar. He said: “falls steal dreams.”

Did you know that more than half of the falls that occur happen in homes and 60% of falls that lead to death happen in the home? So many of these occur in the bathroom that Part 2 of “Safe At Home” will focus on tips for home bathroom safety for your loved one with dementia.

 

• Never leave the person with dementia alone in the bathroom

• Remove the lock so that they will not accidentally become locked inside the bathroom

• Replace that slippery tile floor with wall-to-wall carpet that is washable

• Use nonskid products for your bath and/or shower stalls

• Purchase and install grab bars beside the toilet, in the tub/shower – using a contrasting color to the surface on which it is attached is a great idea as well

• Use a raised toilet seat with handrails

• Use a plastic shower stool

• Install a hand-held shower head

• All faucets should be singles that process both hot and cold water through them

• Be sure the water heater is set no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit

• Use a padded faucet cover in the tub in case the person bumps into it or falls onto it

• Place traps in sinks to keep your loved one from dropping small items in the skinks resulting in loss of the items

• Use a night light

• Store medications where they cannot be accessed

• Store cleaning produces where they cannot be accessed

• Cover electrical outlets

• Do not store small electrical appliances in bathrooms

• Have the male dementia loved one shave outside the bathroom with his electrical razor to avoid being in contact with water - or replace the electrical razor with a battery operated razor 

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

Posted Wednesday, 08/24/11, 02:43 PM - Comments - Category: Safety

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