People with Alzheimer’s disease eventually need assistance to live at home safely. Depending on your loved one’s living situation, you may need to make modifications around the house to keep him or her safe. You may also need to remove certain items that pose a health risk. This safety checklist can help you get started on making the necessary changes to your loved one’s home environment.
Eliminate Fall Risks in Wet Zones
The bathroom and kitchen areas are the main wet zones in a home. These areas may need to have nonskid rugs installed. Your loved one might also benefit from a walk-in tub or grab bars to help him or her stay stabilized. Fall prevention helps your loved one avoid brain injuries that can increase cognitive decline.
Check for Fire Hazards
Family caregivers are often afraid their loved ones will accidentally start fires in their homes. If your loved one is experiencing moderate to severe memory loss, he or she needs someone to assist with cooking. A major catastrophe can be avoided by simply having a caregiver make sure the stove is turned off. There should be working fire extinguishers in the home near potential fire sources. Your loved one should also use appliances with automatic shutoff systems whenever possible.
One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide senior home care. Turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.
Remove Dangerous Items
Seniors with late-stage Alzheimer’s may use objects in ways that differ from their intended use. For instance, an aging adult may try to open a package with a sharp knife instead of scissors, and this increases the risk of getting cut. Your loved one might also be unable to tell the difference between a cleaning solution and his or her favorite beverage. Remove any potentially dangerous items your loved one doesn’t need. Some household items may need to be stored in a locked cabinet. For instance, a caregiver may need access to cleaning products that must be kept away from your loved one.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional elder care. Tucson families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Take Action Against Wandering
Your loved one shouldn’t be able to leave home unattended if he or she is likely to get lost. Preventive action against wandering should always be taken before an incident actually occurs. For instance, your loved one may need supervision throughout the day to make sure he or she doesn’t wander off. You might also want to add an alarm on the door that alerts you and others if your loved one tries to go outside.
Do Further Senior-Proofing as Needed
Those with severe cognitive challenges will need their caregivers to take further actions that protect their safety. For instance, you may need to cover electrical outlets and move cords out of sight to prevent your loved one from being accidentally shocked. You may also need to move medications to a locked storage area that only caregivers can access.
If your senior loved one has Alzheimer’s and needs help managing daily tasks, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of Alzheimer’s care. Tucson Home Care Assistance provides reliable caregivers around the clock to help your loved one age in place safely and comfortably while living with Alzheimer’s disease. Schedule a free in-home consultation by giving us a call today at (520) 276-6555.