Alzheimer's Disease : Home Safety, Impairment of the Senses

by National Institute on Aging

(Page 5 of 7)

Paint walls a light color to reflect more light. Use solid colors, which are less confusing to an impaired person than a patterned wall. Large, bold prints (for example, florals in wallpaper or drapes) may cause confusing illusions.

Make sure there is adequate lighting, and keep extra bulbs handy in a secured place. Dimly lit areas may produce confusing shadows or difficulty with interpreting everyday objects. Reduce glare by using soft light or frosted bulbs, partially closing blinds or curtains, and maintaining adequate globes or shades on light fixtures.

Remove or cover mirrors if they cause the person with AD to become confused or frightened. Ask if the person can point to a specific area that is producing confusion. Perhaps one particular aspect of the environment is being misinterpreted. Vary the home environment as little as possible to minimize the potential for visual confusion. Keep furniture in the same place. Have the person with AD avoid watching violent or disturbing television programs. The person with AD may believe the story is real. Do not confront the person with AD who becomes aggressive. Withdraw and make sure you have access to an exit as needed.

Special Occasions, Large Gatherings, Holiday Safety

When celebrations, special events, or holidays include large numbers of people, remember that it is possible that large groups may cause a person with AD some confusion and anxiety. The person with AD may find some situations easier and more pleasurable than others.

Large gatherings, weddings, family reunions, or a Fourth of July picnic may be cause for anxiety. Consider having a more intimate gathering with only a few people in your home. Think about having friends and family visit in small groups rather than all at once. If you are hosting a large group, remember to prepare the person with AD ahead of time. Try to have a space available where they can rest, be by themselves, or spend some time with a smaller number of people, if needed.

Consider simplifying your holidays around the home and remember that you already may have more responsibilities than in previous years. For example, rather than cooking an elaborate dinner at Thanksgiving or Christmas, invite family and friends for a potluck dinner. Instead of elaborate decorations, consider choosing a few select items to celebrate holidays. Make sure holiday decorations do not significantly alter the environment, which might confuse the person with AD.

Holiday decorations, such as Christmas trees, lights, or menorahs, should be secured so that they do not fall or catch on fire. Anything flammable should be monitored at all times, and extra precautions should be taken so that lights or anything breakable are fixed firmly, correctly, and out of the way of those with AD.

As suggested by most manufacturers, candles of any size should never be lit without supervision. When not in use, they should be put away. Try to avoid clutter in general, especially in walkways, during the holidays.

Impairment of the Senses

Alzheimer's disease can cause changes in a person's ability to interpret what they see, hear, taste, feel, or smell, even though the sense organs may still be intact. The person with AD should be evaluated periodically by a physician for any such changes that may be correctable with glasses, dentures, hearing aids, or other treatments.

Vision

People with AD may experience a number of changes in visual abilities. For example, they may lose their ability to comprehend visual images. Although there is nothing physically wrong with their eyes, people with AD may no longer be able to interpret accurately what they see due to changes in their brain. Also, their sense of perception and depth may be altered. These changes can cause safety concerns.

Create color contrast between floors and walls to help the person see depth. Floor coverings are less visually confusing if they are a solid color. Use dishes and placemats in contrasting colors for easier identification. Mark the edges of steps with brightly colored strips of tape to outline changes in elevation. Place brightly colored signs or simple pictures on important rooms (the bathroom, for example) for easier identification. Be aware that a small pet that blends in with the floor or lies in walkways may be a hazard. The person with AD may trip over a small pet.

Smell

A loss or decrease in smell often accompanies Alzheimer's disease.

Install good quality smoke detectors and check them frequently. The person with AD may not smell smoke or may not associate it with danger. Keep refrigerators clear of spoiled foods.

Touch

People with AD may experience loss of sensation or may no longer be able to interpret feelings of heat, cold, or discomfort.

Adjust water heaters to 120 degrees to avoid scalding tap water. Most hot water heaters are set at 150 degrees, which can cause burns. Color code separate water faucet handles, with red for hot and blue for cold. Place a sign on the oven, coffee maker, toaster, crock-pot, iron, or other potentially hot appliances that says DO NOT TOUCH or STOP! VERY HOT. The person with AD should not use appliances without supervision. Unplug appliances when not in use. Use a thermometer to tell you whether the water in the bathtub is too hot or too cold. Remove furniture or other objects with sharp corners or pad them to reduce potential for injury.

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.