How to Make Home a Safer Place for a Senior with Alzheimer’s

If you’re taking care of a senior loved one who has Alzheimer’s, you need to make sure the environment is safe. Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia, and while your loved one may be able to make his or her needs known, his or her reasoning skills may be compromised. It’s for this reason that home safety is paramount to prevent accidents, injuries, and illnesses. Here are a few ways to make home a safer place for your loved one. 

Keep Medications Out of Reach 

Depending on the level of cognitive impairment, some seniors with Alzheimer’s may still want to preserve their independence when taking their medications. While this is commendable, it can lead to dangerous consequences. Although your loved one may not experience any life-threatening adverse reactions by taking an extra dose of certain medications, taking an additional blood pressure pill could lead to a dangerous hypotensive state. Because Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia can cause forgetfulness and impaired judgement, your loved one may have forgotten he or she had already taken a prescribed medication and reach for another dose. It’s important to keep medications out of reach and set reliable reminders.  Consider hiring a professional caregiver if your loved one needs medication reminders and assistance with household chores. Winnipeg elderly home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.

Lock Up Cleaning Supplies 

Another way you can make home a safer place for your loved one is to lock up all cleaning supplies. This is especially important when it comes to liquid cleaners and chemicals, as a person with Alzheimer’s can mistake them for soft drinks or juices. Some liquid cleaners have pleasant lemon or orange aromas, which can be enticing for a senior who is thirsty and confused. 

Wipe Up Spills Immediately 

Wet, slippery floors are an extreme danger for seniors with Alzheimer’s because they raise the risk of falls that lead to life-threatening injuries. Always make sure spills are wiped up immediately. If you wash the floors, keep your loved one in another room until the surface is completely dry. In addition, always make sure your loved one wears properly fitting non-skid shoes. In the event contact is made with a wet floor, he or she will be less likely to slip and fall. There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Home Care Assistance is a leading senior care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.

Maintain Floor Height Consistency

Alzheimer’s disease can lead to impaired depth perception. Differences in heights and planes in the flooring can raise a cognitively impaired senior’s risk of falling. If you’re caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, make sure to even out differences in flooring heights. For example, if the living room is carpeted but the kitchen is tiled, install a transition piece between the two room surfaces to avoid abrupt changes in height and texture. Every senior living with Alzheimer’s deserves high-quality Alzheimer’s care. Winnipeg families can rely on the caregivers at Home Care Assistance to keep their loved ones safe while managing the symptoms of the disease. Using our Cognitive Therapeutics Method, our caregivers help seniors regain a sense of pride and accomplishment while promoting cognitive health. To learn about our premier in-home care options, give us a call at (204) 489-6000 today.