Avoiding Accidents in the Home
Taking measures to improve safety can prevent injuries and help a person with memory loss or dementia and the caregiver feel more relaxed and less overwhelmed. Changes in the brain and body can affect safety. Areas effected can include physical abilities (difficulties with balance and changes in gait), judgement (forgetting they turned on the stove) and challenges with time and place (getting lost in the neighborhood). Also, be mindful in changes in vision, depth perception, hearing, and sensitivity to temperature. Below are other suggestions to consider:
- Take a walk through and around the outside of the home and evaluate safety risks. Avoid serving food and beverages that are too hot.
- Install walk-in showers and add grab bars to the shower or tub and at the edge of the vanity to allow for independent and safe movement.
- Add textured stickers to slippery surfaces.
- Apply adhesives to keep throw rugs and carpeting in place, or remove rugs completely.
- Monitor the hot water temperature.
- Keep hallways and entrances well lighted. Keeping lights on in the evening as the sun goes down can minimize confusion from seeing shadows.
- Remove guns from the home and keep safely locked up. Also, make sure knives, power tools and dangerous machinery are out of sight.
- Make sure chemicals are in a safe place.
- Check your home for lighters or matches that could be problematic.
- Be prepared with emergency phones numbers are easily accessible.
Paying attention to home safety can help the individual maintain his or her independence longer and minimize stress and aid in the ease of caregiving.
If you, a friend or family member living with memory loss would be interested in learning more about our Memory Ministry or our Memory Cafe, please contact Vicky Pitner at vpitner@firstumc.org