Tips to Ensure Room by Room Safety for Alzheimer’s Patients

All of us bump into things around the house, we miss a step or lose our balance. Even young people are not far behind when it comes to accidents sometimes in the house. There also comes a time where the chances of having an accident outweigh the chances of not falling or tripping, which is particularly when a person develops Alzheimer’s or dementia.

A person with Alzheimer’s or dementia would require round-the-clock care to live a stable life. It is best to opt for an assisted living facility for the best form of care and support. If you are on the lookout for an assisted facility, don’t look beyond the award-winning Anthem Seniors in Phoenix, AZ. Our caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy. Our system of care addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living.

Bedroom Safety Tips for Seniors with Alzheimer’s:

Inadequate lighting is one of the most common hazards in a bedroom. Although bedroom lighting is typically kept low and soft for comfort, but if simple tasks like reaching for the television remote control is no longer an easy thing to do, and your senior loved one gets up to retrieve the item, you may be risking a preventable fall. For someone with Alzheimer’s, a nightlight can be a lifesaver. Prevent accidents by making sure bed clothing fits appropriately. Creating some kind of communication system like an intercom or bell can also alleviate the risk of accidents.

Kitchen Safety Tips:

There are no two ways about kitchen being the most dangerous room in the house for anyone, particularly for those with cognitive issues. Firstly, you should carefully evaluate your loved one’s cognitive abilities- whether it is safe for your loved one to cook without someone supervising. Although involving someone with cognitive challenges in things that he/she loves doing, such as cooking is a great way to keep someone motivated. But, it’s as important to not take any unnecessary risks. It’s better to cook ahead of time and to store meals in microwaveable containers.

Remove metal cans that might accidentally get microwaved and disabling appliances if the condition of your loved one worsens—not just in the kitchen but throughout the home. Use labels to describe individual items, or the contents of drawers and cupboards if your loved one is still relatively self-sufficient. Use brightly colored plates, cups, flatware and napkins to easily identify them. Try and make things easy for your loved one and be there to lend a helping hand.

Bathroom Safety for Seniors:

Many people, in the early stages of Alzheimer’s can perform basic hygiene, but still someone should always remain close. Install raised toilet seats, grab or side bars on and around the tub and toilet areas, non-skid floor surface and non-skid mats in the tub to help preserve your loved one’s independence as long as possible. A stool or shower chair should be used to reduce fear of falling for those with Alzheimer’s, as well as their caregivers as it is often frightening to get in and out of the tub for those with Alzheimer’s.