Bedrooms
Bedrooms also provide special challenges in safety. Adequate lighting in bedroom areas needs to be provided for easier reading or television watching during any time of the day or night. Those suffering from various stages of Alzheimer's may fear the dark, so a night-light placed in the room may help. In addition, adequate lighting needs to be made available during nighttime hours in case your loved one needs to find the bathroom in the middle of the night.
In many cases, placing a large picture of a toilet or the word "Toilet" on the bathroom door will help to offer guidance. Bed clothing should be easy to open or close. Caregivers should be available to offer assistance whenever possible, and if desired.
In some situations, a caregiver may need to learn how to help a loved one use a bedpan or a urinal if nighttime trips to the bathroom are not feasible for a variety of reasons. Because of this, a communication system needs to be established for nighttime needs. An intercom-type system or even a bell to address calling for help for toileting, dressing or other needs should be implemented as necessary.