Home Safety

Safety in and around the home is always a concern for the older person, especially the older person who lives alone or who is confused or disoriented. What is considered safe for one person may not be considered safe for another. We don’t have to totally reconstruct our homes, but we need to remember that safety needs may change as the disease progresses. Here are some situations to consider.

• Lock up electrical equipment, such as hair dryers and electric shavers, if there is a danger of your loved one plugging them in and dropping them in the sink or tub.
  
• Turn down the temperature of your water heater if your loved one can no longer judge hot from cold and regulate water temps.
  
• Monitor smoking by keeping matches and lighters in your possession.
• Many caregivers have found that breaking a lifelong smoking habit was unexpectedly easy for someone with Alzheimer’s. Cigarettes, cigars, and pipes that are out of sight may quickly fade out of mind, as well.

• Remove knobs from your gas stove or turn off the shut-off valve at night if your loved one wanders and tries to cook.

• Unplug electrical appliances in the kitchen. Consider coverings for electrical outlets.

• Regularly check fire extinguishers in your home; have smoke detectors in appropriate places and test them regularly.

• Plan escape routes from the various rooms in your house in case there is ever a need to evacuate.

Minimize Cuts and Bruises

• Lock up knives, power tools, and other sharp objects.
• Pad the corners of sharp pieces of furniture.
• Check glassware and other dishes periodically for cracks.

Avoid Accidental Poisoning

• Keep medications in a safe, dry place -- not in a kitchen cabinet or the bathroom medicine closet. If necessary, lock them up.
  
• Lock up poisonous cleaning supplies or store them in inaccessible places.
  
• Keep the phone number of the Poison Control Center next to your bed.
  
• Invest in a first-aid kit for poisoning that will include syrup of ipecac and activated charcoal. Vomiting should be induced for some, but not all, poisonous substances. Container labels and the Poison Control Center can tell you the difference.
  
• Be aware of the signs of poisoning, which may include any of the following:
  
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• severe abdominal pain, cramping
• slow breathing and slow pulse
• profuse sweating or salivation
• obvious burns or stains around the mouth
• odors on the breath, such as kerosene or turpentine
• convulsions

Decrease the Danger of Falls

• Avoid high-gloss waxing of linoleum or wood floors.
  
• Eliminate loose throw rugs or anchor them firmly, especially in the bathroom.
  
• Make sure all electrical and phone cords are outside traffic areas.
  
• Get rid of chairs that tip over easily.
  
• Solid and familiar furniture, strategically placed, can be an ambulation aid.
  
• Clear away clutter, especially on stairs.
  
• Remove doorway thresholds and replace them with flat stripping.
  
• Put locks at the top or bottom of cellar and exit doors. Lock windows, if necessary, or disguise them with drapes. Alarms can also be installed on windows and doors.
  
• Shelve frequently used items in easily reached places.
  
• Light up nocturnal trips from bedroom to bathroom with a 25-watt soft-light bulb, or consider night-lights in various rooms.
  
• Install safety grab bars in areas around toilet, tub, and shower. Use suction mats or non-slip tub strips in tub and shower.
  
• Periodically check the soles and heels of shoes and slippers for wear. Thin, worn soles can be slippery.
  
• Avoid long hems and trailing sleeves in your loved one’s nightwear.
  
• Falls most frequently occur on the top or bottom stair step. Paint both steps in contrasting, colors or use bright paint strips. Make certain stair railings are solid and secure. Block the bottom and top of the stairwell with a sturdy gate if needed.
  
• Make sure your entryway outside is well lit, pool areas are well secured, and sidewalks are in good repair.