There are so many different safety issues seniors and family caregivers need to be aware of when seniors have dementia. Often these safety issues are obvious ones, like making sure chemicals are locked up and tripping hazards are removed. Others are more subtle. Alzheimer’s care providers can help family caregivers do safety assessments to determine the unique needs seniors with dementia have.
Install Fences in the Yard
Fenced-in yards with gates that have secure locks are very helpful for seniors with dementia. As dementia progresses, wandering may become more of a concern. Having a safe yard to spend time in is important for mental wellness as well as safety. If there’s a pool or other water feature in the fenced-in area, it may need its own fence for safety.
Mark Glass Doors and Large Windows
Vision changes along with cognitive changes that affect visual perception make familiar spaces more difficult for seniors to navigate. One particular problem can be glass doors and large windows. Marking these large glass areas well with decals or stickers helps to break up the visual space, which keeps seniors from running into the glass. Home care providers can also help rearrange furniture in a way that makes running into the glass less likely.
Consider Repainting Interior Walls
A similar issue can occur with interior walls. Busy patterns on the wall or dark colors that blend into the floor or that make it difficult to spot door frames can be visually confusing for seniors with dementia. Using contrasting colors, especially using lighter colors on interior walls, can help quite a bit.
Swap Out Light Switches
Light switches can sometimes be difficult for seniors with dementia to find, even if they don’t seem hidden to other people. Swapping out the regular light switches with ones that light up make them easier for seniors to locate when they need them. Using light fixtures that have motion-sensing features or that switch on automatically as natural light fades can also be a safety improvement.
Install Touchless Faucets
Automation does a lot to improve safety for seniors with all sorts of health concerns, including dementia. Touchless faucets allow seniors to move their hands under the faucet and turn the water on, making handwashing a lot easier. These types of faucets also reduce the likelihood of faucets being left on and then overflowing the sink.
Disconnect the Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals can be dangerous no matter what, but seniors with dementia may forget exactly what these common kitchen appliances do. If they reach into the sink or worse yet, into the drain opening itself, they can experience serious and debilitating injuries. Disconnecting or removing the garbage disposal can eliminate the problem.
Anchor Bookcases and Large Furniture
Bookcases and other large furniture like dressers can be less stable than they appear. If seniors have mobility issues and reach out to these furniture pieces, unanchored furniture can all too easily topple. Attaching them firmly to a wall helps to keep them secure and reduces injury risk for seniors with dementia.
Keeping up with all of these different safety issues can feel overwhelming for families. Alzheimer’s care providers offer expert assistance that can point out possible safety concerns, helping families keep seniors with dementia as safe as possible.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s care in Sugar Land, TX for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.
At Your Side Home Care, provides exceptional home care assistance for seniors and families in Houston, West Houston, Katy, Memorial, The Heights, Spring Valley, Garden Oaks, Hunters Creek, River Oaks, Hilshire Village, Galleria, Cinco Ranch, Spring Branch, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenburg, Piney Point, Bay City and surrounding areas.
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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