A light, open space without tripping hazards can increase the safety of your home. Creating a brighter environment allows someone with dementia to navigate the space safely because they can see where they're going and avoid problems. Brighter rooms during the day might also improve sleep, which can be a challenge for people with dementia. Changes to consider include:
You can't eliminate every potential hazard from your home. You need cleaning supplies for regular upkeep. Multiple people in the house might need medications. Your kitchen includes many dangerous tools, such as knives and stoves, that are necessary for food preparation. Locking or securing these dangers with various tools improves the safety of the environment. Try these ideas:
If your loved one tends to wander and get lost, securing your doors can minimize the risk. Start by installing a hidden lock that your family member doesn't know about and can't easily find. This option is only safe if they have supervision all the time. A door with a hidden lock presents a safety risk in the case of an emergency if your loved one is ever home alone.
Another option is to install a security system that sounds when a door opens. You can decide when to activate the system for extra monitoring. For example, you might only set the alarm at night when you're not awake to monitor your loved one. Security systems might also offer the option to simply chime once when the door opens rather than set off a security notification.
If you don't want a full security system, other devices help to alert you when a door opens. Door chimes that sound when the door opens are one example. If you have an attached garage, consider installing a Bluetooth opening device connected to an app. Set the app to send you a notification any time the garage door opens or closes.
Having more eyes on the neighborhood and your home could increase the safety of your loved one. Let your neighbors know about your family member's cognitive condition so they understand what to expect. You might offer tips for conversing with them in case they see them outdoors. It's also helpful to tell them what is out of the ordinary. For example, if your loved one has advanced dementia symptoms, you might not let them go outside alone. Tell your neighbors if they see them outdoors without another person, they should contact you or the police.
Many cities and police departments offer programs for residents who have memory loss. For example, the Ellisville Police Department runs an Alzheimer's registration program, allowing family members to register loved ones who have dementia. You complete a form about your loved one and provide two photos. If your loved one wanders or gets lost, this information helps the police department reunite them with you quickly.
Using GPS technology devices can also help you find your loved one quickly if they wander from home. Pendants, bracelets and tags that attach to shoes are a few examples of the devices you can get. Ensure your loved one wears the device at all times. If you can't locate your loved one, you can pull up the GPS information to see where they are.
Moving your loved one to a memory care community is never an easy decision, but it's often the safest environment. Specialized programs support brain health to potentially slow the progression of memory loss, and your loved one gets the social support of living with other people in the same situation. By allowing professionals to care for your loved one, you can focus on family bonding.
Autumn View Gardens Ellisville provides a comfortable, secure, homelike setting with 24-hour monitoring and supervision. Every aspect of the environment is carefully designed to keep residents relaxed and allow them to explore while removing potential risks. If you're considering a transition to memory care, contact us to schedule a visit.
