If you’re taking care of a senior loved one who has Alzheimer’s, you need to make sure the environment is safe. Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia, and while your loved one may be able to make his or her needs known, your parent’s reasoning skills may be compromised. It’s for this reason that home safety is paramount to prevent accidents, injuries, and illnesses. Here are a few ways to make home a safer place for your loved one.
Keep Medications Out of Reach
Depending on their level of cognitive impairment, some seniors with Alzheimer’s may still want to preserve their independence when taking their medications. While this is commendable, it can lead to dangerous consequences. Although your loved one may not experience any life-threatening adverse reactions by taking a double dose of certain medications, taking an additional blood pressure pill could lead to a dangerous hypotensive state.
Because Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia can cause forgetfulness and impaired judgment, your loved one may have forgotten that he or she had already taken a prescribed medication and reach for another dose. It’s important to keep medications out of reach and set reliable reminders.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver if your loved one needs medication reminders and assistance with household chores. Home care service experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
Lock Up Cleaning Supplies
Another way you can make home a safer place for your loved one is to lock up all cleaning supplies, which is especially important when it comes to liquid cleaners and chemicals, as they can be mistaken for soft drinks or juices by a person with Alzheimer’s. Some liquid cleaners have pleasant lemon or orange fragrances, which can be enticing for a senior who is thirsty and confused.
Wipe Up Spills Immediately
Wet, slippery floors are extremely dangerous for seniors with Alzheimer’s because they raise the risk of falls that lead to life-threatening injuries. Always make sure spills are wiped up immediately. If you wash the floors, keep your loved one in another room until the surface is completely dry.
In addition, always make sure your loved one wears properly fitting shoes with non-skid soles. In the event contact is made with a wet floor, your parent will be less likely to slip and fall.
There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Home Care Assistance is a leading Montgomery elder care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.
Maintain Floor Height Integrity
Alzheimer’s disease can lead to impaired depth perception. Differences in floor height can raise the risk of falls for a cognitively impaired senior. If you’re caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, make sure to even out differences in flooring height. For example, if the living room is carpeted but the kitchen is tiled, install a transition piece between the two surfaces to avoid abrupt changes in height and texture.
Every senior living with Alzheimer’s deserves high-quality Alzheimer’s care. Montgomery families can rely on the caregivers at Home Care Assistance to keep their loved ones safe while managing the symptoms of the disease. Using our Cognitive Therapeutics Method, our caregivers help seniors regain a sense of pride and accomplishment while promoting cognitive health. If you need professional care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (334) 593-3988.