Five Home Safety Tips for Those Battling Alzheimers Disease

Do you have an elderly loved one that is battling Alzheimer's disease or dementia?  Alzheimer's is categorized by forgetfulness, lost memories, and the inability to remember even basic foundations of life.  This can leave your loved ones in danger of accidents when they are struggling to remember basic tasks.  As caregivers that provide home health care in Philadelphia, PA, we work with many seniors that are battling the symptoms of Alzheimer's, and we provide them with a safe home so they can avoid injuries, falls, and other hazards.  There are a few safety tips you will want to follow in the home of your loved ones that have Alzheimer's.

Remove Harmful Objects

One of the first things you will want to do is to remove all of the harmful or hazardous objects from the home.  Start in the kitchen by removing cutlery, sharp objects, matches, and other dangerous cooking items.  You may even want to consider removing dangerous cleaning supplies or keeping them locked in a secure cabinet.  Also, be sure to remove scissors, razors, and other easily breakable items.  Consider keeping these items in cabinets with child-locks to prevent your loved ones from accidentally harming themselves.

Eliminate Tripping Hazards

Tripping hazards are also dangerous for any aging individual, but especially for those suffering from Alzheimer's.  Make sure that all of the walking paths are clear of furniture and other potential items that block the way.  Minimize the use of rugs, as these can become easy tripping hazards if your foot, walker, or cane is caught on the corners.  Install any rails in the restrooms to make it easier for your elderly loved ones to bathe without the risk of falling.

Create Lists and Plans

When you have an elderly loved one with Alzheimer's, you will want to keep their life as organized as possible.  Write out their daily schedule, put reminders on the fridge or other areas of the home that require additional information.  Planning out their day and providing them with simple reminders will help keep them aware of what is going on, even on difficult and forgetful days.

Decrease Fire Hazards

Be sure to remove all the fire hazards from the home.  You may want to even remove or disable the oven or grill, as you will not want them to become forgetful while cooking and then cause harm to themselves.  Minimizing the risk of fire will keep everyone safe.

Hire Professional Help in the Home

One of the best ways to keep your elderly loved ones safe in the home is to hire some extra help.  Home health caregivers are trained to handle these medical situations and provide comfort and safety to seniors who need the extra assistance.  This will provide you with an extra sense of comfort knowing that they are being tended to and taken care of.

These are just a few of the home safety tips you will want to implement when you have an elderly loved one who suffers from the devastating effects of Alzheimer's.  Alzheimer's disease can cause difficulties in everyday routine, which may make you eventually turn to the professionals in home health care in Philadelphia, PA for help.  Contact us to learn about how we can help care for your loved ones today.