Keeping People with Alzheimer’s Safe at Home in Arlington
Being safe at home is important for everyone, but it is essential for those who are living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
People with Alzheimer’s may experience:
- Memory problems, such as forgetting to turn things on or off
- Physical difficulties that can make it hard to use stairs or some items of furniture
- Changes in what makes them feel safe and secure
- Confusion with using appliances
Tips for creating a safe environment at home:
- Arrange furniture simply and consistently
- Keep the home uncluttered
- Remove loose rugs and seal carpet edges that may be safety hazards
- Install night-lights hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms
- Dispose of old medications and safely store or remove all and hazardous materials
- Remove electric blankets
- Install safety switches
- Use appliances with automatic cut-off mechanisms
- Check appliances like heaters and toasters to make sure they do not present any safety hazards
- Replace long electrical cords on appliances with coiled or retractable cords.
- Turn down the temperature of the hot water heater to eliminate hot water burn risk
- Check that smoke detectors are fully functional