Some patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s can live in the community with some help from family or home care providers. Below are tips to help people live with safety and confidence.
Fall prevention: Avoid excessive clutter that could be a tripping hazard. Install handrails or grab bars in areas that may be critical.
Locks are your friend: Cabinets that contain potentially dangerous items should be locked and secured.
Water temperature: To prevent potential burns, it is a good idea to lower the temperature on the water heater thermostat.
Fire safety: Ensure that the fire extinguisher, smoke detector, and carbon monoxide detector are in proper working order and easily accessible.
Routine: Try to perform actions such as bathing, dressing, and eating at the same time everyday
To-do list: Establish a list of appointments and events on a calendar.
Safety plugs: Insert safety plugs into any unused outlets.
These steps are great building blocks to help persons with Alzheimer’s disease, but being flexible and capable of adapting to individuals will help deal with the challenges that may arise.
