Caregivers need to consistently monitor issues of safety. If you start in the early stages of the disease it will makes adjustments less confusing than if you do it in the late stage of Alzheimer's (stage 6 and 7). Changes are incorporated into new routines and that helps reduce confusion. The aim is to forward think what potential dangers room design and activities have and to maximize safety. We want to reduce mobility as little as possible and promote self-care!

 

Room Design and Layout

Making adjustments to room design and thinking about safe movement between rooms, especially the bathroom, is basic to safety. Have familiar objects and personal possessions in their room. Simplifying their room and shared rooms by removing unnecessary objects without depersonalizing them is good. This encourages maximum safe mobility in familiar surroundings and continued interest in looking after their home.

 

Stairs

When internal stairs become a hazard then you need to think about gates on the bottom and at the top of the stairs. These allow free movement on one floor level but can alert caregivers at night if the person with Alzheimer's gets lost or wanders (more sleep at night for caregivers!).

 

Door Handles

Door handles that need to be opened in combination will reduce the chances of a confused person gaining access to unsafe areas such as stairs and external yards and gardens unless supervised. Devices can be purchased that require key pad codes and swipe cards. You want easy access and devices that do not present hazard to caregiver supervision during escape from incidents such as fires.

 

Plan for Toilet Visits

One of the most important safety issues are bathroom trips. Easy access in familiar surroundings maximizes continence even when people are severely affected by Alzheimer's. Making sure a mobile patient can easily access the bathroom is one of the most important safety issues you need to address to prevent falls and accidents.

• Here is how a question on Night time Use of the bathroom was answered.
• More information on the types of incontinence.

Remember, people with Alzheimer's get sick too, so if incontinence suddenly starts it needs to be medically investigated. It could be a urine infection that can be cured, thus resolving the issue.

 

Lighting and Safety

Insure good, safe lighting for rooms and when in outside areas. Provide a night light and try to reduce shadows as is practical.

 

Install & Maintain Fire Alarms!

 

Bedroom and Bed Safety

Put their bed mattress and springs on the floor if they are prone to falls. Use appropriate support and bed cot sides. I do not believe that restraint should be use unless in an emergency for a very brief period of time.

 

‘Childproofing' Hazardous Chemicals and Objects

Brief notes:

Household chemicals, knives dangerous objects such as tools and equipment

• Use childproof locks on cupboards, remove to a room not accessed.
• Guns: a sharepost from Dorian gives more information ‘Guns and Alzheimer's Don't Mix'.
• Fires and heaters-Fireguards, box in hot radiators, Change heating system if hazard too great.
• High windows-Window locks.
• Cars and driving- Here is more on this very difficult subject:

Driving and Dementia