Dementia Safety in Your Loved Ones Home

Dementia Safety : 

Dementia Safety In Your Loved One’s Home

Why are dementia safety precautions necessary? : 

Why are dementia safety precautions necessary? Memory loss and confusion causes impaired judgment Examples: May not remember how to use a band aid Leaving the house without a coat on Eating food that has grown moldy Those in the early stages of dementia require supervision Home adaptations can improve peace of mind for caregivers

Doing a Home Safety Assessment : 

Doing a Home Safety Assessment Occupational therapists are trained to perform home safety assessments Possible hazards: Falls Consuming toxins Injuries from sharp objects Fire Caregivers should consider home adaptations similar to child-proofing a home for young children

Suggested Adaptations : 

Suggested Adaptations Remove old newspapers, grocery receipts, magazines, bags and other clutter Remove candles, matches, sharp knives, other dangerous tools Remove toxins (e.g. bleach, cough syrup) Disable microwave and electric stove Provide shower seat, grab bars Add night lights with night sensors Regularly check food for freshness Remove small rugs

Creating a Home Environment that Promotes Independence : 

Creating a Home Environment that Promotes Independence Removal of clutter increases safety and decreases the chance of fire Makes it easier to find important items Keys Wallet Eyeglasses Fill refrigerator with only ready-to-eat foods Hard-boiled eggs Tuna fish sandwiches Cut up vegetables

Tips for Promoting Independence : 

Tips for Promoting Independence Set television to favorite station Tape over all buttons except on/off switch Highlight that switch with bright nail polish Preset number one on telephone to dial a “helper” friend or relative Highlight the number with bright nail polish Place a sign next to the phone that reads, “Push number 1 for help.” Remove all remote controls Buy touch lamps Provide a digital clock

Routines and Visual Cues : 

Routines and Visual Cues Memory loss makes it difficult to learn new tasks Familiar routines = greater success Visual cues can provide needed reminders Note next to the sink: “Use soap.” Laying a towel next to the sink will prompt use Visual reminders will help individuals in the early stages of memory loss to maintain independence

All Senior Homes : 

All Senior Homes All Senior Homes is a resource for seniors and families searching for housing and care services Visit http://www.allseniorhomes.com for more information on senior care and senior housing Information in this presentation provided by occupational therapist Barbara Smith, M.S., OTR