Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's Disease can present a variety of challenges...one such challenge is to ensure that your home is a safe environment for your loved one. Fortunately, there are a number of steps that you can take as a caregiver to improve life at home for your family member or friend as you both cope with the pitfalls that Alzheimer's Disease can present.
More than likely a person with Alzheimer's disease is going to walk a lot or pace. Not all individuals with dementia experience this behavior, but many do. Caregivers must allow this behavior by structuring the environment to be as safe as possible. A person with Alzheimer's Disease is likely to have perception difficulties. Carpet with black trim may look like a "black hole" to be stepped over. A shiny tile floor may appear wet. Good lighting without a lot of glare will reduce misperception, thus reducing anxiety. Removing clutter from around the home is very important. Items like foot stools, baskets on the floor, plants on the floor, papers and magazines lying around can increase confusion. Remove these obstacles wherever possible.
There are many products that can help with increasing security and decreasing the caregiver's level of anxiety. Bells, alarms, and locks on the doors can aid in keeping track of the person with dementia. Baby monitors are also used for monitoring, especially during the night. If your loved one has trouble with falling out of bed, put the mattress on the floor or put an extra mattress next to their bed to help prevent injury.
Information for purchasing home safety devices can be found at The Alzheimer's Store Other safety devices may be found at Radio Shack. Baby monitors can be found at most stores that sell baby products.
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