Having a safe home environment is important. There are steps you can take to adapt the home to the changing needs of the person with dementia.
Beware of dangerous objects and substances.
Even the most basic appliance or household object can become dangerous.
- Use appliances that have an auto shutoff feature. Keep them away from sinks.
- Remove the knobs from the stove burners. Or, install a hidden gas valve or circuit breaker on the stove so a person with dementia cannot turn it on.
- Store dangerous products in a secure place. These can include grills, lawn mowers, power tools, knives, firearms and cleaning products.
- Discard toxic plants and decorative fruits. They may be mistaken for real food.
- Keep medications in a locked area at all times. Put away vitamins, sugar substitutes and seasonings.
- Supervise use of smoking and alcohol.
Avoid injury during daily activities.
Most accidents in the home occur during daily activities such as eating, bathing and using the restroom. Take special precautions at these times.
- Watch the temperature of water and food. The person may have difficulty in knowing the difference between hot and cold.
- Install walk-in showers and grab bars in the shower or tub and at the edge of the vanity to allow for independent, safe movement.
- Add textured stickers to slippery surfaces. Apply adhesives to keep throw rugs and carpeting in place – or remove rugs completely.
Adapt to vision limitations.
Dementia sometimes makes it difficult for a person to tell between colors and understand what he or she sees because of changes in vision.
- Create an even level of lighting. Add extra lights in entries, outside landings, areas between rooms, stairways and bathrooms. Changes in levels of light can be disorienting.
- Use night lights in hallways, bedrooms and bathrooms.
Firearm safety
Operating firearms demands consistent sound judgment and alert senses. It is essential to use great care if you choose to keep them in the house. Make the household safe for everyone by taking special precautions:
- Keep firearms locked and unloaded in a cabinet, safe, firearm vault or storage case.
- Lock up ammunition separate from firearms.
- Remove firearms from the living space.
- Exercise full control and supervision over firearms at all times.
- Ask for help from the local sheriff or police if you are unfamiliar with firearm safety or if you choose to discard a weapon.
