Peace of Mind: Dementia Safety at Home
Looking after a family member who is living with dementia can be a daunting task. It's important to make sure that the home environment is safe and accommodating for them, but this can sometimes feel like an insurmountable challenge. That's why we're here: to help answer any questions you might have about how to create a secure and comfortable home for your loved one with dementia. Together, let's explore ways we can ensure that their home life remains as safe and calm as possible and that your loved one with dementia can stay home longer — no matter what stage of the journey they’re in now.
Can you leave a person with dementia home alone?
When it comes to leaving a person with dementia home alone, the answer is not always straightforward. While it may be possible in many cases, especially during the early stages of the disease, there are certain risks associated with leaving someone with significant dementia symptoms unsupervised. It is important to consider factors such as their condition, memory, and behavior when determining whether or not they can stay alone safely.
Safety Concerns for People Living with Dementia
Safety at home is something we should all be concerned about, but for those with dementia, it can be especially worrisome due to the specific behaviours people with dementia often experience.
For a person with dementia, some of the safety concerns that may arise include:
People living with dementia are prone to wandering off and getting lost, especially if they don't recognize familiar places or if their memory is impaired.
People with dementia may be prone to falls due to physical and cognitive impairments, lack of balance, and general confusion. Family members may notice that their loved ones have difficulty using appliances, tools, and other household items safely especially as they lose coordination and mobility.
A person with dementia may demonstrate the inability to make decisions which can lead to unsafe activities such as leaving the stove on or forgetting to take medications.
Other dementia symptoms such as mixing up day and night or confusing reality with past memories and the inability to recognize certain dangers may exist. Dementia also often affects sleep patterns, so getting a good night’s rest can be challenging.
People with dementia also contend with normal aging challenges including poor eyesight, fine skin, changes in hearing, and infections and these may all create specific safety hazards.
Sundowning is a condition that affects many people with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. It usually happens in the late afternoon and evening hours, when the person becomes more agitated and confused. This can lead to an increase in risky behavior, such as wandering off alone, trying to leave home without permission, or refusing medication.
Sadly, elder abuse is also a safety concern for many seniors and especially those with dementia as they are particularly vulnerable and may have difficulty reporting their concerns.
Common Safety Hazards in the Home
Some common safety hazards in the home include:
Fire Hazards such as stovetops, ovens, and other appliances may be left on, and candles, matches, and lighters may be left accessible.
Electrical Hazards such as power cords running across walkways, overloaded outlets, frayed wires, and old wiring may be a safety issue.
Trip Hazards for those with mobility issues such as rugs or carpets that are not properly secured to the floor, furniture that is in an unstable position, and other items that can easily be tripped over.
Environmental Hazards such as mold, lead paint, pest infestation, potential gas, carbon monoxide leaks, or other hazardous materials can cause health risks.
Sharp Objects such as knives, scissors, and other sharp objects may be left in reach of someone with dementia and can cause injury.
Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medication Hazards such as medicines that are not properly labeled, stored safely, or taken in the correct dosage can lead to serious health risks.
Food Safety Hazards such as food that has been left out too long and may spoil or attract pests.
An at home assessment from one of our qualified team may help you assess some of the risks that exist in your home.
Create a Home Safety Checklist
A home safety checklist will help ensure that your home is safe and secure. Include items such as checking door locks, making sure appliances are turned off, keeping a list of emergency contact numbers handy, and setting alarms if necessary.
It's also important to create routines for daily tasks like taking medications, bathing, or doing exercise. Having a regular routine can help reduce anxiety levels associated with dementia and prevent confusion or forgetfulness.
Remember to check smoke detectors, test carbon monoxide alarms, review all appliances for safety hazards, and fix any tripping hazards like electrical cords or loose rugs. If a family member is living with dementia, it's important to think ahead and consider potential risks that could arise in the future.
It's also helpful to make small changes in the home that can aid safety. This includes installing grab bars in showers, adding bright lighting throughout the house, and providing plenty of chairs so they never tire while walking around.
Below is a room-by-room list of suggestions for ways to make your home safer:
Dementia Safety in the Bedroom
Get easy to read clocks
Replace electric blankets with standard covers
Be careful with extension cords to ensure there is no tripping hazard
Dementia Safety in Hallways and Living Areas
Ensure carpets are tight and well-secured to prevent falls
Consider replacing throw rugs with secured rugs
Give away or rehome poisonous plants which may be mistaken for kitchen herbs
Ensure dark hallways have adequate lighting
Dementia Safety in the Kitchen
Install and test smoke alarms
Install auto-shut-offs on electrical appliances
Consider replacing gas appliances with electrical
Install a locked cabinet for potentially dangerous items
Turn down your home water temperature to reduce the risk of burns
Dementia Safety in the Garage
Install safety locks on hazardous substances and cleaning supplies
Make sure power tools are left unplugged or out of site
Make garbage disposal easy
If your loved one is no longer able to drive, put car keys in a safe location
Dementia Safety in the Bathroom
Install grab bars
Remove locks from the bathroom door
Consider installing a walk in shower and a raised toilet seat
Install night lights to aid vision
Dementia Safety Outside the House
Carefully manage fire pits or any open fire
Ensure outdoor areas are well lit
Planning Ahead for Emergencies
Be Prepared
One of the best safety tips is simply to be prepared. The best way to do this is by planning ahead for potential emergencies. Be sure to have a list of emergency contacts handy, have an evacuation plan in place, and consider what would happen if you weren’t able to be there during an emergency.
Discuss Safety Protocols
It’s also important to make sure your loved one is aware of safety protocols in the home and outside the house, like not opening the door to strangers or how to call for help if necessary. Above all else, an atmosphere focused on safety and respect will go a long way toward keeping everyone safe.
Evaluate Risks
Take the time to evaluate any potential risks in areas where your loved one spends time such as their bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, living area, garage and outdoors. Having a checklist to go through can help ensure you’re covering all your bases and keeping everyone safe.
Gather Important Documents
You should also consider having a lockbox with important documents such as medical records and contact information that can help in the event of an emergency. It's important to keep these documents up-to-date and updated on a regular basis.
Having a plan in place can provide peace of mind and ensure that your loved one is safe no matter what happens.
How to Create a Safe Environment for Someone Living with Dementia
There are many independence aids available on the market for people living with dementia. These aids can help to create a safe environment and should be considered when creating a suitable home for someone living with dementia. It is worth looking into government programs that are available to support the financial cost of installing these aids.
Independence aids such as specialized lighting, simple locks for doors, pill dispensers and monitors, adapted utensils, non-slip flooring, and bed/chair sensors are just some of the products available to help people living with dementia remain independent in their own homes.
GPS Monitoring Devices / Fall Alerts
GPS monitoring devices are available and help monitor a person's movements, as well as provide alerts in the event of a fall or other emergency.
Security devices such as alarms and locks can help provide an additional layer of security for someone living with dementia by keeping them within safe boundaries and alerting caregivers if they leave their homes or designated areas.
Lighting
Specialized lighting can be used to ensure a person living with dementia is able to navigate spaces without difficulty. Low-level night lighting can also assist people who experience sundowning, which is the increased confusion and agitation that sometimes happens at sunset and in the evening hours.
Bathroom Accessories
A range of bathroom accessories are available that can reduce the risk of falls, including grab rails, shower chairs, non-slip mats, handrails, raised toilet seats, and bath lifts. These aids can make the bathroom a much safer place for someone living with dementia.
Smart Home Technology
Smart home technology can be used to automate lights, locks, windows, and doors, as well as monitor medication adherence or detect falls in order to alert caregivers or emergency services if needed.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Other Alarms
Installing smoke, carbon monoxide and gas detectors can provide added safety for someone living with dementia. It’s also important to make sure all alarms are tested regularly to ensure they are in working order.
Having the correct independence aids in place will not only make life easier for those with dementia but also has the potential to improve safety by reducing the risk of falls or trips. It is important that any freedom and independence gained by having these aids in place is balanced against potential risks that people living with dementia may face.
Final Word on Dementia Safety
Creating a safe home environment for someone living with dementia is an important step in helping them age safely and comfortably at home. With the right safety measures in place, you can help ensure that your loved one is able to remain independent while receiving the necessary assistance they need.
Do You Need Help at Home for Your Loved One with Dementia?
Choice Dementia Services has been providing high-quality, compassionate in-home care to seniors diagnosed with dementia and their families since 2016. Our team of caregivers is dedicated to helping you live happier, healthier lives at home. We are trained professionals who are ready to help with any task from housekeeping and meal prep to personal hygiene and transportation. And we offer 24/7 emergency support and respite care and always put your loved ones first.
You can trust us with your loved ones because we understand the importance of creating a safe environment where they feel comfortable living. We know that every person has unique needs – which is why we customize each care plan based on what matters most to them and you so they can stay true to themselves as long as possible without sacrificing quality of life along the way. Whether it’s getting groceries delivered right outside their door or having someone come by twice a week for an afternoon chat, Choice Dementia Services will make sure your loved one feels happy and cared for at all times during their time with us.