Alzheimer's: Making the Home Safe

As a caregiver faced with caring for a person with Alzheimer’s, we are concerned for our loved one’s safety above all else. The following tips will help you outfit your home or your loved one’s home for better safety.

While a safe home environment is essential, it should also support the needs of the individual by promoting independence, positive social interaction and meaningful activities. Here are some additional ways to create a safe atmosphere, without making the home too restrictive for the person with Alzheimer's.

• Consider setting your home water heater below 120 degrees, since the individual may no longer be sensitive to extreme temperatures.
• Prepare a list of emergency phone numbers including local police and fire departments, as well as the nearest hospital and poison control center.
• Conduct fire drills regularly and check fire alarms and extinguishers monthly.
• "Kiddy Gates" should not be used to prevent wandering because they are generally not strong enough to keep an individual from climbing over them or kicking them down.
• Mirrors and glass surfaces can cause confusion and delusions for a person with Alzheimer's. If they frighten the affected individual, take them down or cover them up.
• Remove electrical appliances, such as hair dryers, curling irons and electric razors, from the bathroom.