Home Safety Tips to Consider for the Person Living with Dementia

As an individual with Dementia’s disease progresses, the person may not be aware of their own safety deficits. Their environment may be more difficult to manage and navigate, and an individual may try to leave the home unaccompanied. Below are some suggestions to keep an individual safe in their home.

1.     Keep a list of emergency numbers and be prepared for emergencies. For example, what is the hospital of choice?

2.     Install locks out of sight as disease advances. Put locks above or below eye level.

3.     Install alarms on doors and windows to let you know when your loved one is opening a door or window.

4.     Use locks to prevent your loved one from going down basement or garage stairs that could increase risk of a fall.

5.     Assess kitchen safety -- can you disable the stove or remove knobs? Discard any toxic substances and put medications out of clients’ reach.

6.     Medications should be stored out of sight or in a lock box to prevent accidental overdoses or misuse.

7.     Make sure all safety devices are in working order, such as smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.

8.     Keep rooms well-lit and make sure there is adequate lighting to lead a path to the bathroom. Keep nightlights on in the bathroom.

9.     In the bathroom, install grab bars, shower chair or bench, and raised toilet seat as needed. Remove locks so the individual cannot lock themselves in the bathroom. Change the color of the toilet seat if the bathroom is all one color (bright colors are best). Make sure the water heater is not set too high to reduce the risk of burns. Remove area and throw rugs or adhere to floor or replace with nonskid rugs to reduce fall risk.

10.  Assess bedroom safety -- make sure there in adequate lighting. Monitor use of heating pads or blankets. Ensure clothes and shelves are at the height that can be seen and reached.

11.  Ensure that all stairwells have handrails.

12.  Avoid clutter and keep the environment simplified. Keep walking areas free of debris.

13.  Keep an extra set of keys hidden in case your loved one misplaces them.

14.  Remove all guns and weapons from the home.