Home Safety and Dementia

This is the first in a series of blog posts about how you can help keep your loved one with Alzheimer's or a related Dementia, safe in their own home.

Things that seems so simple in the past, can now become very concerning. 

People with dementia often experience changes in balance, depth perception, coordination, and strength. Add to that, memory loss, cognitive abilities, paranoia and confusion, and you could have a recipe for disaster.  What was simple, has become difficult. 

By making some modifications, you can make home safe again for your loved one.

One action to make your loved one with dementia's home safe is to walk through each room and make minor modifications.

Photo credit: Stephania C. via Unsplash

• Are there any area rugs that could be tripped on, or potentially cause a slipping hazard?
• Are large mirrors part of the decor? These could cause confusion based on reflection.
• Is there heavily patterned wallpaper on the walls? The "busyness" of the pattern can cause overwhelm.
• Does the room look cluttered? Minimalize the number items that are on countertops, tables, etc. to lessen overstimulation

Next time we will discuss how redecorating and minor renovations can help to make your home safer, while still keeping your loved ones in mind and how it may affect them.