Dementia Home Safety

When someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, they and their loved ones may actually be relieved—briefly—to finally have an explanation for troubling symptoms. Very often, symptoms of dementia have been present for almost a decade before a person is officially diagnosed. There is currently no single test to reach a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, so people typically pursue a diagnosis through several appointments with family physicians, neurologists, and professionals in brain imaging.

It’s important to acknowledge that no two people experience dementia the same. And in the early stages, many will still be able to drive, work, and live independently. But as the disease progresses, it can cause difficulties with executive function and impulse control, putting the person with dementia at an increased risk of accidents and injuries. In fact, people with dementia have twice the risk of hospitalization from injuries than people without dementia.

Preparing to live with dementia can help prevent accidents or injuries. Also, certain changes around the home can help a loved one with dementia feel safe and comfortable. That sense of security can help stave off some of the more difficult behaviors that dementia can cause. Making changes before your loved one’s dementia progresses to the point where these issues bother them can save family members and caregivers some headaches and discomfort, and even prevent injuries.

Sandi Heintz of Right at Home Northwest Houston does a safety review at each client intake, and can talk with the client and their loved ones about what sort of modifications could help.

Dementia can cause changes in a person’s perception of the space around them and their ability to distinguish between colors and patterns. A chevron-patterned rug may appear to be moving and checkered flooring could appear to be dangerous holes in the ground.

But it doesn’t happen all at once. In-home caregivers really play an important role in assessing those needs as they change. They serve as those eyes and ears in the home and can identify risky behavior.

“It really depends on each person’s disease progression and behavior,” Sandi says. “Do they wander? Let’s get some locks on the door, or an Apple Airtag in their shoes.”

Initially, family members may not be aware of the dangers in the home. Here are some things to consider to make the home a safer place for someone with dementia:

Colors: Use contrasting colors on walls and floors to make it easier to visually “understand” the room.

Patterns: Remove rugs and curtains with busy patterns that could confuse a person with dementia.

Stairs: Mark the edges of steps with brightly colored tape. Install handrails on both sides of the stairs and nonskid rubber treads to prevent slipping.

Mirrors: Limit the number and size of mirrors and consider where to place them. People with dementia may not recognize themselves in the mirror or be startled by their reflection.

Clutter: Keep floors clear of clutter, especially trailing wires.

Furniture: Remove furniture with thin legs that could be tripped over.

Locks: Install secure locks on all outside doors and windows but remove locks on interior doors. Install locks out of sight, such as above or below eye level.

Alarms: Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in or near the kitchen and all sleeping areas. Check their functioning and batteries frequently. Consider installing door and window alarms that allow you to monitor when someone leaves the home.

Keys: Hide a spare house key outside in case a door is accidentally locked.

Equipment: Limit access to equipment such as lawn mowers, weed trimmers, or snow blowers. Lock and properly store ladders when not in use.

Chemicals: Keep poisonous chemicals, such as gasoline or paint thinner, out of reach.

Pool: Put a locked fence around your pool and install pool alarms with an electronic sensor.

Personal alarm: Consider giving your loved one with dementia a personal alarm that they can press if they fall. Some smart watches have features that indicate the wearer has fallen.

Emergency phone numbers: Keep a list of emergency phone numbers and addresses for local police and fire departments, hospitals, and poison control helplines.

Sandi and her team will help the family caregiver identify things they can do to help their loved one maintain independence. “Someone in early stages of cognitive decline can still put together a sandwich, so prep the ingredients and have them ready in the fridge,” Sandi explains. “We teach the families to make changes that allow people with dementia to live at home longer.”

But, she cautions, don’t make a bunch of big decisions without the input of your loved one.

“Engagement is huge,” Sandi explains. “Allow them to be as independent as possible and active in the community.”

There are many organizations that offer educational opportunities for people with dementia and their caregivers. In-home caregivers can help connect their clients to opportunities like the Museum of Fine Arts Houston’s “Looking Together” program, which offers free admission during a dedicated time for people with cognitive decline and their caregivers.

Making changes to the home is a great way to pave a path forward to living a healthy and safe life for yourself or someone else with dementia.