5 Safety Tips When Caring For Someone With Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer's disease is a complex neurological condition that progressively deteriorates cognitive functions, impacting a person's ability to perform everyday tasks. As more than 6 million people in the United States are currently living with Alzheimer's disease, it has become increasingly important to recognize the safety risks they face at home.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, six in 10 people with dementia will wander, which can put them in dangerous situations. Alzheimer's is the sixth-leading cause of death in the country.
As such, it is crucial that caregivers of Alzheimer's patients take extra precautions to ensure their loved one is safe. Here are some common safety risks caregivers should be aware of when caring for someone with Alzheimer's at home.
Falling: One of the biggest risks that Alzheimer's patients face at home is the risk of falling accidents. This can range from something as simple as tripping over a misplaced object to falling down the stairs. To mitigate the risk of accidents, it is important to declutter the home and maintain clear pathways throughout. Installing grab bars in the bathroom and adding handrails on both sides of the stairs can also greatly reduce the chance of accidents.
Wandering: As mentioned earlier, dementia patients are prone to wandering, which can put them in dangerous situations. Caregivers can minimize this risk by closely monitoring their loved one and adding door alarms or locks to prevent wandering.
Cooking Accidents: Alzheimer's patients may forget to turn off the stove or oven, which can consequently lead to a fire. To prevent cooking accidents, caregivers can opt for meal delivery services or prepare meals in advance, use automatic shut-off devices or induction cooktops, or consider other alternatives, like microwavable meals.
Medication Mismanagement: Memory loss and confusion can make it difficult for Alzheimer's patients to manage their own medications. They may forget to take their medication or accidentally take too much. To ensure safe medication management, caregivers should provide a daily routine and use pill dispensers or alarms as reminders.
Water Accidents: Alzheimer's patients who have wandering tendencies may also wander to nearby pools, lakes, or other bodies of water. Caregivers can prevent drowning incidents by installing fences around the pool/pond/lake, ensuring the door to the area is always locked, and supervising their loved one at all times.
Overall, it is crucial for caregivers of Alzheimer's patients to be vigilant and proactive in identifying and minimizing potential safety risks in the home. With the appropriate home modifications, medical devices, and proper daily routines, people living with Alzheimer's can live as safely and independently as possible.
If you feel like you need more help caring for your aging loved one or think they’d benefit from In Home Care, contact Providential Home Care today to learn more about what you can do to help your loved one receive the care they deserve. - 503.758.4843
Sources:
Alzheimer's Association. (2021). Wandering and getting lost. https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/wandering
Alzheimer's Association. (2021). 2021 Alzheimer's disease facts and figures. https://www.alz.org/media/Documents/alzheimers-facts-and-figures.pdf
