Creating a Safe Home Environment

People with Alzheimer's disease may have a diminished attention span, recognition problems, and difficulties in making decisions and communicating with others. These problems arise from problems with physical perception such as reduced vision, hearing and depth perception. There may also be a loss of physical strength, coordination and motor skills. As a caregiver, you must create an environment that makes it easy for your patient to behave appropriately. Being prepared can greatly increase your patient's comfort and make your life easier. Remember, as Alzheimer's disease progresses, increased safety precautions must be taken.

• Bathroom

• Kitchen

• Stairs

• Windows and Doors

• Fire, Burn and Electrical Shock Safety

• Personal Safety

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Bathroom

• Place a bathmat or adhesive strips in tub and/or shower.
• Install grab bars in tub.
• Install a chair or stool in shower.
• Install sturdy grab bars around toilet facilities.
• Install raised toilet seats.
• Use a hand-held shower nozzle.
• Use a padlock or childproof latches on cabinets containing medicine, cleaning fluids and other dangerous products.
• Cover the faucet in the tub with a soft material like a sponge to help prevent injury if the patient falls in the tub.
• Color-code faucet handles, red for hot and blue for cold.
• Put a sign on the outside of the door identifying the bathroom.

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• Remove knobs from the stove.
• Use a padlock or childproof latches on cabinets that contain cleaning supplies or other hazardous materials.
• Lock up knives, scissors and other potentially dangerous utensils.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
• Keep handles of pots and pans facing towards the back of the stove.
• Place emergency numbers on the refrigerator.
• Remove area rugs in front of sink or under the table.

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• Mark the top and bottom of the stairs with bright yellow tape.
• Install gates at the top and bottom of the stairs.
• Install a handrail on both sides of the stairs (if possible).

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• Install childproof doorknobs.
• Install locks high on the doors, out of the reach of the patient. You can also install a lock that can only be opened with a key. Secure locks with screw from opposite side of door so they cannot be unscrewed by the patient.
• Use double locks or two-step locks.
• Use alarm mats in front of doors, install portable alarms on doors, or place bells on exit doors.
• If you can't afford an alarm, place bells on exit doors.
• Disguise the door by painting it the same color as the wall and hanging a scenic picture on it.
• Put signs and/or pictures on doors describing room (bathroom, closet, bedroom, etc.).
• Disarm automatic garage door opener.
• Install locks on windows.
• Give a spare key to a neighbor or hide one outside in case your patient locks you out.

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• Purchase a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors for each level of the home (including the basement).
• Put a smoke detector in the patient's bedroom.
• Determine a fire emergency exit route and practice using it with your patient.
• Post the fire department emergency number in a prominent place.
• Keep hot water temperature below 120 degrees.
• Keep lighters and matches locked up.
• Avoid the use of portable heaters.
• Guard radiators.
• Avoid running electrical cords in open spaces where

patient can reach them.
• Place childproof covers over plugs.

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Personal safety

• Get an ID bracelet for your patient that would notify rescuers, local police, medical staff, and others of the patient's condition in the event of an emergency.
• Keep a recent photo and video of your patient on hand.
• Place iron-on labels with your patient's name, address and phone number in clothing to aid in identification in case your patient gets lost.
• Arrange furniture so your patient can move around easily.
• Remove or firmly tape down any scatter rugs, area rugs or moveable carpets.
• Purchase rubber-soled shoes or slippers for your loved one to avoid falls.
• Keep a working flashlight by your bed.
• Use nightlights, especially for your patient to find the bathroom at night.
• Remove firearms and weapons from your home.
• Lock up over-the-counter medicines, prescription medicines and cleaning fluids.
• Keep alcohol in a locked cabinet and away from your patient.
• If necessary, build a wheelchair ramp.
• Use bed rails or place a comforter or pillows on the floor around the patient's bed.
• Hide car keys and, if necessary, disconnect the car battery if patient is not allowed to drive but still wants to
• If patient hallucinates or is bothered by his or her reflection, cover or remove mirrors.
• Keep medical records on hand at all times.
• Use a sound monitor in the room where your patient is if you are in a different part of the house (can be purchased at a toy or children's store).
• Do not leave your patient alone in a parked car.
• If you use fans in your home, make sure the slats in the cover are small enough to keep fingers out. Also, use fans with plastic instead of metal blades

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