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Step 1
Simplify rooms by removing clutter and excess. Keep the rooms identifiable to the patient by leaving those large items that have been there for a long time. These are visual cues for the Alzheimer's patient to help them recognize their surroundings.
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Step 2
Make safety a primary concern. Turn the water heater down or add anti-scalding devices on showers and tubs. Get a seat or bench for bath or shower. Lock doors to the outside if your patient likes to wander.
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Step 3
Create conveniences for the Alzheimer's patient. Lever handles may be better than standard doorknobs, but be sure they cannot wander outside. Get large green circles to mark the ON buttons, purchase appliances that turn off automatically, and use Velcro to attach items to a specific location.
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Step 4
Add lighting for the Alzheimer's patient, and make a comfort zone with the place they like to read or do something quiet. This will keep them sitting more and wandering less.
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Step 5
Think creatively for how to make life easier for the Alzheimer's patient and the caregivers. If your patient adjusts the thermostat and this becomes a problem, install another thermostat where the patient cannot find it, and disconnect the original thermostat. Leave it in place for the Alzheimer's patient to adjust at will.
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Step 6
Tell the neighbors about your patient, and ask for their assistance in watching for the Alzheimer's patient. Give them a telephone number to call any time they see something that might be unusual. This will be a safety measure for your Alzheimer's patient and the caregiver.
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Step 7
Keep in touch with the Alzheimer patient's physician. These patients often get more violent as time goes by, and can become a danger to the caregiver as well as themselves. Recognize the potential, and make home safer for the Alzheimer's patient.
Comments
bellerose said
on 10/12/2009 very useful advice on how to make home safe for an Alzheimer's patient. Watchfulness is very important; enlisting the neighbors is a great idea. 5*