Page 83 - Dementia-Care-Specialist-Toolkit
P. 83
Caregiver Tip Sheets
Keeping Home Safe
People with Alzheimer’s or dementia may have trouble knowing
what is dangerous or making safe decisions. By helping him or
her feel more relaxed and less confused at home, you can help
stop accidents.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
KEEP THINGS SIMPLE
WHY DOES • make sure rooms are neat
THIS HAPPEN? • place “often used” items in the same place
• remove things that might break and aren’t needed
People with Alzheimer’s or
dementia might:
LOOK AT THE FLOOR
• trip because of changes in • remove small rugs, rugs that are thick, or rugs that might
balance or trouble walking slide on floors
• don’t shine or wax floors
• have problems seeing
clearly due to poor eyesight • keep items off floors… cords, books, toys, bags, boxes, etc.
• make sure bathroom and kitchen floors are kept dry and avoid
• forget to turn off water, walking with wet feet
burners, or ovens
• use tables and chairs that are stable enough to lean on
• forget how to use knives,
etc. or where to safely REMOVE DANGEROUS ITEMS
place burning objects • keep all medicines… vitamins, aspirin, prescriptions… in a locked
box, cabinet, or drawer
• place knives, scissors, guns, sharp tools, matches, and lighters
out of sight or in a locked area
• move all cleaning supplies to a high shelf or lock them away
844.HELP. ALZ • take off knobs from the stove and oven
AlzheimersLA.org
© 2016 Alzheimer’s Los Angeles DON’T LEAVE HIM OR HER ALONE
Supported by DHHS, ACL (#90AL0002-01-00)
• in the kitchen with the stove or oven on
• in the bathroom with water running
• anywhere with burning cigarettes, cigars, or pipes
• near an open or unlocked door or gate
80
