How to Make a Home Dementia-Friendly

 

Making a home dementia-friendly protects the safety of your loved one and gives you a little more peace of mind. Do not wait for a safety problem to arise before acting; plan what changes you will need to make far in advance.

 

 

In addition to cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s causes problems with spatial perception and responses to events. Therefore you need to remove dangers to your loved one from the house. Observe your loved one’s personal habits, identify the problem areas and make changes where you see possible dangers.

 

 

Here are some first steps for making a home dementia-friendly:

 

 

  • Take away unstable furniture or furniture with wheels
  • Replace chairs that blend in with the walls
  • Tuck away extension cords and telephone wires
  • Try to get round-edged tables and other surfaces
  • Place a soft mat by the bed to protect against falls
  • Install monitoring devices in case of an emergency

 

An orderly environment:

 

People with dementia need a home that is easy to navigate. Make sure to reduce all clutter and install handrails where they are necessary, particularly stairs. Lowering the lights during dinnertime can help promote better eating habits. Unnecessary furniture may confuse your loved one; try to think about what you can remove and how you can simplify daily tasks.

 

 

Wandering:

 

Wandering is a concern for people with dementia. Putting multiple locks with different mechanisms on the doors can help reduce the chances of your loved one getting out. Another good way is to disguise doors with curtains or drapes.

 

 

Be gentle:

 

You want to keep your loved one safe, but his or her sense of independence is also important. Be delicate when making changes and use suggestive rather than commanding language. Luckily, there are many safety products made to look decorative and homey. This will give you the assurance of safety you need while keeping the home comfortable and inviting.

 

 

Are you an Alzheimer’s caregiver? Check the Brain Matters blog for more tips and facts on Alzheimer’s disease and consider joining one of our clinical research studies.

 

 

Source: http://www.alzfdn.org/EducationandCare/safeproofing.html

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