SAFETY AT HOME

Older adults carry an elevated risk of serious injury from accidents in the home. They don’t see as well as they used to, they are not as agile as they once were, and their balance is no longer as steady.

Compound these factors with the confusion and disorientation that a dementia patient frequently experiences, and the risk goes even higher.

Just as young parents will child-proof their homes during their children’s baby years, the family caregiver must take steps to minimize the risk for  her loved one in their home.

Following are some warnings about safety risks in the home and very helpful tips to help the caregiver safeguard against those risks:

  • Lower the thermostat on the water heater to prevent scalding. Always check the water temperature before entering the tub or shower.
  • Ensure adequate lighting and consider motion-sensor lights for nighttime use.
  • Keep the bathroom free of clutter and unnecessary items to prevent tripping hazards.
  • Use clear and simple signage to help the person find the bathroom and understand its purpose.
  • Store or lock up toothpaste, lotions, shampoos, soap, and perfume, as they may look and smell like food.
  • Install grab bars in the bathtub, shower, and beside the toilet.
  • Use non-skid mats or strips in the tub, shower, and on the floor.
  • Consider a raised toilet seat for easier access and use.
  • Use a sturdy shower chair for support, especially if the person is unsteady.
  • Consider replacing individual knobs with a single faucet that mixes hot and cold water.
  • Remove small electrical items from the bathroom.
  • Cover electrical outlets to prevent accidental shock.

  • Install bed rails to prevent falls, but ensure they are easy for the person to use and that they don’t pose a hazard.
  • Place soft, non-skid mats on the floor around the bed to cushion any falls.
  • Consider a bed that is easy to get in and out of, or a hospital-type bed with adjustable height.
  • For some, having one side of the bed against the wall can help prevent falls or encourage exiting in a specific direction.
  • Consider using bed sensors or motion detectors to alert caregivers if the person gets out of bed during the night.

  • Ensure the person with dementia cannot access the garage without supervision.
  • Keep lawn mowers, weed trimmers, snow blowers, and other large equipment in a locked area or out of reach.
  • Store gasoline, paint thinner, and other poisonous chemicals in a secure, locked cabinet or container.
  • Store ladders properly and lock them away when not in use to prevent tripping or climbing hazards.
  • If the individual is no longer driving, lock each vehicle to prevent injury and consider covering or removing the vehicle to prevent accidents and temptations to drive.
  • If the individual is no longer driving, store car keys in a locked container or secure area.
  • Ensure the garage floor is free of slippery substances or hazards.
  • Make sure the garage is well-lit, especially if the person with dementia has visual impairments.
  • Remove any clutter or obstacles that could cause tripping or accidents.
  • Install safety latches on cabinet doors to prevent access to dangerous items.

  • Install childproof locks on stove burners.
  • Install slip-resistant mats.
  • Install childproof locks on cabinets and drawers, especially those containing alcohol, knives, or cleaning products.
  • Ensure good lighting to improve visibility.
  • Keep frequently used items within easy reach to reduce the need to climb or reach.
  • Use appliances with automatic start/stop functions.
  • Consider using electronic appliances with large buttons and simple controls.
  • Install safety switches (e.g. hidden on/off switches).
  • Consider disconnecting the garbage disposal.

  • Store all cleaning products, including liquid laundry packets and bleach, in locked cabinets or closets when not in use.
  • Keep cleaning products in their original, non-decorative containers to discourage accidental ingestion or misuse.
  • Consider installing safety locks on washing machines and dryers to prevent the person from putting inappropriate items in or taking them out too early.

  • Keep walkways free of furniture, cords, and other items that could cause trips or falls.
  • Remove small rugs or mats, as they can be tripping hazards, or ensure they are securely anchored and non-slip.
  • Conceal or manage electrical cords to prevent tripping.
  • Reduce the number of small, easily dropped objects, including plants.
  • Avoid having plants whose leaves or berries are poisonous.
  • Put away collectibles and other items that could be damaged or cause injury if dropped.
  • Ensure adequate lighting, especially in areas where the person with dementia spends time, and add extra lighting in entryways, between rooms, and stairways.
  • Use nightlights in hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
  • Mark glass doors and windows with decals or bright tape at eye level to make them visible.
  • Remove locks on interior doors to prevent the patient from locking himself into rooms.

  • Minimize decorations (too much can add to patient’s confusion).
  • Avoid decorations that appear edible.
  • Make sure there are no electrical cords across walkways.

  • Keep medications in original containers
  • Secure medications in locked cabinets

While the security of firearms and knives is important in any household, it is even more important in a home where a dementia patient lives or visits because:

  • Dementia can significantly impair judgment, memory, and attention, making it difficult for individuals to handle weapons safely.
  • Individuals with dementia may misinterpret situations and feel threatened, potentially leading to unsafe actions with weapons.
  • A person with dementia might forget to unload a firearm, forget where it’s stored, or be unable to remember how it functions, increasing the risk of accidents.
  • Someone with dementia who is angry, aggressive, or depressed could pose a danger to themselves or others if they have access to a firearm or knife.

Following are some helpful tips for safety when weapons are stored in the home:

  • The most effective approach is to remove firearms from the home altogether and to secure knives under locks.
  • If firearms must remain, store them unloaded in a locked cabinet or safe with ammunition stored separately.
  • Restrict access to the keys for the firearm and knife storage to trusted caregivers or family members.
  • Have open discussions among family members about all weapons in the home, including antiques, collections, and hunting equipment.
  • Unwanted firearms and knives can be disposed of permanently by selling them, giving them away (to someone legally allowed to possess them), or surrendering them to law enforcement.

“You can’t pour from an empty cup. You deserve rest, support, and care too.”