Create a Safe Living Space for a Loved One with Alzheimer's
When assessing a home or apartment for someone suffering from Alzheimer's, one of the most important things to consider is preventing access or use to areas or equipment that may harm the patient. Such dangers can include:
- Hazardous areas within the house
- Basements and garages and tool sheds
- Kitchen and bathroom appliances
A person suffering from dementia may not be able to rationalize the difference between safe and unsafe. Locking doors that lead to areas that contain tools, equipment, or materials that may prove harmful to the patient is necessary.
Removing electrical equipment or appliances from the bathroom and kitchen area will help to reduce the risk of electrical shock. Something as innocuous as a kitchen blender may cause injury to someone suffering from cognitive function and loss. To prevent accidents, knives and cooking implements should also be stored in a safe, secure location and cooking appliances in the kitchen can be made safer by removing knobs or installing hidden circuit breakers and gas valves.
Refrigerator should be checked frequently for food spoilage. In many cases, people suffering from various stages of Alzheimer's may be unable to distinguish between fresh and rotten food. Sense of taste and sense of smell may also be altered due to medications.
Gardening tools, gasoline and equipment normally stored in tool sheds and garages should be placed in a secured area to prevent accidents. Car keys and keys to larger pieces of home or yard maintenance equipment should be stored in a protected location.