Alzheimer's Disease - Safety Tips : At Home

by National Institute on Aging

(Page 3 of 7)

Outside Approaches to the House

Keep steps sturdy and textured to prevent falls in wet or icy weather. Mark the edges of steps with bright or reflective tape. Consider a ramp with handrails into the home rather than steps. Eliminate uneven surfaces or walkways, hoses, or other objects that may cause a person to trip. Restrict access to a swimming pool by fencing it off with a locked gate, covering it, and keeping it closely supervised when in use. In the patio area, remove the fuel source and fire starters from any grills when not in use, and supervise use when the person with AD is present. Place a small bench or table by the entry door to hold parcels while unlocking the door. Make sure outside lighting is adequate. Light sensors that turn on lights automatically as you approach the house are available and may be useful. They also may be used in other parts of the home. Prune bushes and foliage well away from walkways and doorways. Consider a NO SOLICITING sign for the front gate or door.

Entryway

Remove scatter rugs and throw rugs. Use textured strips or nonskid wax on hardwood floors to prevent slipping.

Kitchen

Install childproof door latches on storage cabinets and drawers designated for breakable or dangerous items. Lock away all household cleaning products, matches, knives, scissors, blades, small appliances, and anything valuable. If prescription or nonprescription drugs are kept in the kitchen, store them in a locked cabinet. Remove scatter rugs and foam pads from the floor. Remove knobs from the stove, or install an automatic shut-off switch. Do not use or store flammable liquids in the kitchen. Lock them in the garage or in an outside storage unit. Keep a night-light in the kitchen. Remove or secure the family "junk drawer." A person with AD may eat small items such as matches, hardware, erasers, plastics, etc. Remove artificial fruits and vegetables or food-shaped kitchen magnets, which might appear to be edible. Insert a drain trap in the kitchen sink to catch anything that may otherwise become lost or clog the plumbing. Consider dismantling the garbage disposal. People with AD may place objects or their own hands in the disposal.

Bedroom

Use a night-light. Use an intercom device (often used for infants) to alert you to any noises indicating falls or a need for help. This also is an effective device for bathrooms. Remove scatter rugs. Remove portable space heaters. If you use portable fans, be sure that objects cannot be placed in the blades. Be cautious when using electric mattress pads, electric blankets, electric sheets, and heating pads, all of which may cause burns. Keep controls out of reach. Move the bed against the wall for increased security, or place the mattress on the floor.

Bathroom

Do not leave a severely impaired person with AD alone in the bathroom. Remove the lock from the bathroom door to prevent the person with AD from getting locked inside. Place nonskid adhesive strips, decals, or mats in the tub and shower. If the bathroom is uncarpeted, consider placing these strips next to the tub, toilet, and sink. Use washable wall-to-wall bathroom carpeting to prevent slipping on wet tile floors. Use an extended toilet seat with handrails, or install grab bars beside the toilet. Install grab bars in the tub/shower. A grab bar in contrasting color to the wall is easier to see. Use a foam rubber faucet cover (often used for small children) in the tub to prevent serious injury should the person with AD fall. Use plastic shower stools and a hand-held showerhead to make bathing easier. In the shower, tub, and sink, use a single faucet that mixes hot and cold water to avoid burns. Adjust the water heater to 120 degrees to avoid scalding tap water. Insert drain traps in sinks to catch small items that may be lost or flushed down the drain. Store medications (prescription and nonprescription) in a locked cabinet. Check medication dates and throw away outdated medications. Remove cleaning products from under the sink, or lock them away. Use a night-light. Remove small electrical appliances from the bathroom. Cover electrical outlets. If men use electric razors, have them use a mirror outside the bathroom to avoid water contact.

Living Room

Clear all walk areas of electrical cords and remove scatter rugs or throw rugs. Repair or replace torn carpet. Place decals at eye level on sliding glass doors, picture windows, or furniture with large glass panels to identify the glass pane. Do not leave the person with AD alone with an open fire in the fireplace, or consider alternative heating sources. Remove matches and cigarette lighters. Keep the controls for cable or satellite TV, VCR, and stereo system out of sight.

Laundry Room

Keep the door to the laundry room locked if possible and lock all laundry products in a cabinet. Remove large knobs from the washer and dryer if the person with AD tampers with machinery. Close and latch the doors and lids to the washer and dryer to prevent objects from being placed in the machines.

Garage/Shed/Basement

Lock access to all garages, sheds, and basements if possible. Inside a garage or shed, keep all potentially dangerous items, such as tools, tackle, machines, and sporting equipment either locked away in cabinets or in appropriate boxes/cases.

Secure and lock all motor vehicles and keep them out of sight if possible. Consider covering those vehicles, including bikes, which are not frequently used. This may reduce an AD person's thoughts of leaving. Keep all toxic materials, such as paint, fertilizers, gasoline, or cleaning supplies out of view. Put them either in a high, dry place, or lock them in a cabinet.

If a person with AD is permitted in a garage, shed, or basement, preferably with supervision, make sure the area is well lit and that stairs have a handrail and are safe to walk up and down. Keep walkways clear of debris and clutter, and place overhanging items out of reach.

About the Author

www.nia.nih.gov
NIA, one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of NIH, leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. In 1974, Congress granted authority to form NIA to provide leadership in aging research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs relevant to aging and older people.