How to Make a Home Safe for People Living with Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease is becoming more and more a part of life, with numbers rising as the likes of life expectancy and other factors increase. For those supporting people with Alzheimer’s, it’s important to support in the right way.

In the first instance, seeking neuropsychiatric services is a must, in order to understand the right level of care a loved one needs. However, it’s then all about making people comfortable and finding the right level of care.

It may be that in early and more manageable stages, a loved one can remain at home. But if that’s the case, changes will need to be made in order to make the home safe for them. So, if you’re in such a situation with your loved one. Here’s a run down of what you should be thinking about…

Remove Hazards

The first step is to remove the hazards from the home. This includes clearing all walkways of any clutter or trip hazards. Loose rugs should be secured, and any wires should be tucked away.

The kitchen is obviously a place where many hazards lie, so you may wish to remove sharp objects, as well as secure cleaning supplies and any medication to prevent them accidentally ingesting or overdosing. What’s more, you may want to take extra precautions and install more smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and regularly check them to ensure they are working.

Enhance Visibility and Lighting

You really need to think about lighting in a home as it can play a significant part in falls and confusion. You want to enhance visibility as much as possible, which means ensuring all rooms, hallways and staircases are lit efficiently.

Night lights in corridors, bathrooms and bedrooms can also be effective, to make sure people can navigate from A to B during the night.

You may wish to consider making light switches more accessible, or even install motion-activated lighting, which again just makes things that much easier for a loved one with dementia to get around. Finally, it’s worth avoiding lighting that’s particularly harsh, opting for softer, warm lights which can be more soothing and help prevent disorientation.

Simplify the Environment

When making changes to a home for someone with Alzheimer’s, you want to simplify everything as much as possible. A cluttered or complex environment can lead to anxiety and confusion, exacerbating their condition.

By keeping rooms organised and only frequently used items in reach of them, it can eliminate distractions and things they may get confused by. For example, in the kitchen, you should use clear containers for food items and clearly label everything so it’s easy for them to recognise and find what they need.

Across the house, you should make pathways straightforward, which means positioning furniture in a functional and straightforward manner.

Create a Safe Outdoor Space

If your loved one enjoys spending time outdoors, it’s essential to ensure that the outdoor space is safe as well. Fencing can provide security and prevent wandering, while well-maintained pathways can reduce the risk of trips and falls.

Consider adding seating areas where they can relax and enjoy the garden. If there are steps or slopes in the yard, ensure they are well-marked and have secure handrails. If your loved one tends to wander, consider using safety measures such as door alarms or GPS tracking devices to help monitor their movements without infringing on their independence.

Use Technology Wisely

While technology and people with Alzheimer’s may not be a match made in heaven for them utilising it, it can be used to enhance the safety of those living with the condition. The likes of motion sensors, smart locks and security cameras can all provide peace of mind for caregivers, while you may also want to consider medication management technology to ensure they are getting the right dosage at the right time.

There are plenty of devices out there that can dispense the correct dosage at the right time and reduce the risk of them taking incorrect medication or missing it completely.

Incorporate Routine and Familiarity

Creating a structured daily routine can greatly benefit someone living with Alzheimer’s. Consistency can reduce anxiety and confusion, making the environment feel more secure.

Encourage familiarity by using personal items, such as photos, to decorate their living space. Familiar objects can provide comfort and evoke positive memories, helping to ground them in their surroundings. Regularly engaging in familiar activities, like reading or listening to music, can also provide mental stimulation and enhance their overall wellbeing.