Safe Homes for Alzheimer’s Patients

For many families who are providing care for their senior loved ones who are struggling with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, one of the main priorities is allowing them to remain at home and in their communities for as long as possible. Even with adequate funds, a solid care plan, and a robust and proactive healthcare team, a great deal of thought must go into making a dementia patient’s home environment safe and secure.

Caregivers must do their best to try and get into their loved ones’ heads, which will allow them to anticipate concerns and any potential dangers or hazards. As it is ultimately impossible to modify a dementia patient’s symptoms or behaviors, it is instead necessary to modify the home environment. This will serve to reduce the stress that both the caregiver and the recipient experience. As the symptoms of dementia and the capabilities of the patient will both change over time, so too must the home be adapted to meet the increasing needs as the condition progresses. By anticipating and addressing the mental and physical health risks and needs, accidents and caregiver burnout can both be prevented.

The first thing to do when modifying a dementia patient’s home is limiting their access to potentially hazardous areas and tools. Typically, this will include areas like the basement, garage, and tool or garden sheds. Seniors suffering from dementia will usually exercise increasingly poor judgment as their condition worsens, which is especially apparent when differentiating between safe and unsafe circumstances. This makes it of paramount importance to lock doors to areas that contain tools, ladders, heavy equipment, chemicals, fuels, and cleaning supplies. Anything that can be potentially dangerous, even when used properly, should always be secured, or if possible, removed entirely.

And while it of course makes sense to lock away power tools and cleaning supplies, it is also important to understand that even normal home decor can be problems or even dangerous for some seniors. For example, a simple area rug is seen by most as a home decoration, but for seniors with limited mobility and impaired cognition, it can be a hazard that can cause a dangerous or even deadly fall. Electric cords are another risk, and should never lie across a footpath, they should instead be placed against walls or hidden underneath furniture or carpeting.

Dementia patients may also experience vision complications. Depth perception and the ability to distinguish colors are often compromised as the disease progresses. For example, many patients have difficulty with seeing and understanding darkly colored objects. A black doormat may be interpreted as a large and deep hole in the floor. By sharply contrasting the color elements of different items in the home, a patient can be helped to navigate the environment more safely.

Another serious issue for dementia patients is the tendency to wander. This is particularly dangerous as there are usually no warning signs before the onset of this new behavior. By placing deadbolts near the top or base of exterior doors, you can ensure a senior does not wander outside. However, as exits your loved one cannot unlock are also hazardous, it is crucial that an escape plan for the event of fires or other emergencies is developed, and consistent supervision must be employed to prevent accidents.

Creating a safe and comfortable home for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Senior Helpers of Gilbert & Chandler, our specialized Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care program is designed to provide tailored support that ensures your loved one’s safety and well-being while reducing caregiver stress. From compassionate care to expert strategies, we’re here to help your family navigate every stage of the journey. Contact us today at 480-908-0976 for a free in-home assessment or to learn how we can provide peace of mind and exceptional care for your loved one.