Dementia is a disease that gets worse over time and affects a person’s memory, thinking skills, and behavior. This can make it hard for them to remain safe in their environment without some modifications. By making changes to the home setting, loved ones can create a safe and supportive space that encourages independence and lowers the risk of accidents or confusion. In order to know what changes to make, consider the information below.

Setting Up a Safe Home For Seniors With Dementia

With loved ones and seniors home care supporting seniors, changes can easily be made that help everyone feel better about the safety in the home. Some suggestions include the following:

  • Have a clear and uncluttered plan: It’s important to consider the home’s layout and make it as simple as possible to avoid confusion. Take away any furniture, rugs, or other items that aren’t needed and could cause someone to trip. Keep the design simple and open so it’s easy to get around and less likely that someone will trip and fall.
  • Label things so they can be found easily: Labeling can help seniors with dementia find the things they need. Senior home care professionals can put clear signs or pictures on doors, cabinets, and drawers to show what is inside or what they are for. Color-coded signs can also help seniors know which room is which.
  • Install safety measures: Safety is important for seniors in general. Loved ones can Install handrails on stairs, in bathrooms, and in halls to keep seniors from falling. They can also install grab bars in the shower and toilet to increase safety even more. Additionally, it’s essential to consider the lighting throughout the house, especially in the hallways, to decrease confusion and make the space easier to see. A great solution is to add motion-detected lights to hallways, some of the home’s darkest spaces.
  • Simplify the kitchen and eating area: Sharp objects, hot surfaces, and complicated appliances can be dangerous for seniors who have dementia. Senior home care providers can assist seniors by clearing the space of items that aren’t needed while also making sure the things they use the most are easily found. In addition, loved ones might consider putting safety locks on cabinets or using a stove guard that turns it off after a certain amount of time.
  • Utilize memory aids: Seniors with dementia can remember important facts and tasks by using large calendars on the wall or digital reminders. Loved ones and senior home care aids might put notes in obvious places, like the front door, to remind seniors to take their keys or lock the door when they leave the house.
  • Considerations for the senses: People with dementia may experience changes in their senses. To help them with any changes, loved ones should check the home’s airflow and ventilation, reduce noise where possible, and use curtains and screens to control sunlight. A calm atmosphere with soft lighting is best.

It’s important to remember that each senior with dementia is different, and their needs may change over time. To make their home safer, loved ones and senior home care will need to work together. Open communication and support are best when dealing with the impact of dementia to ensure that seniors have the best care possible.

Sources:
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/home-safety-checklist-alzheimers-disease
https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/safety/home-safety
https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/home-care/info-2017/dementia-home-safety.html

If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care in Edina, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.