Home is an important place for everyone and even more so for people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
A familiar environment can help a person connect with the past and maintain a sense of who they are, according to a press release from the Canada Safety Council.
This National Senior Safety Week, Nov. 6-12, the Canada Safety Council and the Alzheimer Society of Canada, are aiming to provide families and caregivers with a list of home safety tips to make their home safe and dementia-friendly.
People with dementia can become lost even in familiar places so it's important to strike a balance between safety and independence.
Home Safety Tips
- Have fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors tested regularly to make sure they're working.
- Use appliances that have an automatic shut-off feature and keep them away from sinks and other sources of water.
- Use child-proof locks and doorknob covers on drawers and cupboards that contain dangerous materials such as knives, cleaning liquids and appliances.
- Store dangerous equipment like grills, lawn mowers, power tools, knives and firearms in a secure place.
- Lock any hazardous areas or cover the doors or locks so that they're disguised. Place locks either high or low on doors to make them less obvious.
- Remove locks in bathrooms or bedrooms to prevent the person with dementia from being locked inside.
- If you're concerned about someone using the stove, install a hidden gas valve or circuit breaker that prevents it from being turned on. Consider removing the knobs from the burners.
- Remove all toxic plants or decorative fruits that the person might mistakenly try to eat.
- Remove all medications or other substances from open areas such as the kitchen table and counters, including vitamins and prescription drugs. Even sugar, sugar substitutes and seasonings may pose a risk to the individual. Keep medications in a locked area.
- Supervise the person when using tobacco or alcohol as these may have harmful side effects and interact with certain drugs. Always supervise the person with dementia if they're a smoker. They may forget a burning cigarette and start a fire.
- Check the temperature of water and food as the person may have difficulty telling the difference between hot and cold. This applies to bath water and hot food.
- Install safety equipment in the bathroom. Grab bars for example help prevent falls. Add non-slip stickers to slippery surfaces such as tile floors and loose rugs. Or remove rugs completely.
- Use contrasting colours at the beginning of a staircase to make steps and transitions easier to see. Avoid dark rugs as they may appear to be a hole.
- Install good lighting at entries, outside landings, between rooms, on stairways and in bathrooms.
- Keep emergency numbers by the phone for quick access.
- Remember that symbols like skulls, crossbones, "toxic" and "poison" lose their meaning.
- Consult an occupational therapist for additional safety tips on how to make your home as safe and accommodating as possible.
- Some areas of your home may pose more risks than others. Pay extra attention to garages, work spaces, basements and outdoor areas.
