What can I do to make my home a safer place for my loved one with Alzheimer’s?
It is quite common for individuals with Alzheimer’s to wander or pace about a room. It is important that caregivers accommodate this behavior and create a safe environment in which their loved one can move about freely without encountering any potential tripping obstacles. It is also important to take into account the likelihood that a person with Alzheimer’s disease will experience perceptual difficulties. A shiny surface may appear to be wet and slick while a dark area on the floor might appear to be a hole that one must step over. In order to reduce hazards caused by perceptual impairments, caregivers should make sure that their home is well lit and that there is as little glare as possible.
Caregivers should also be mindful of clutter in their home. Items in your home, which are usually more decorative than functional, such as foot stools, plants, storage baskets, and rugs can increase a person with Alzheimer’s level of confusion. You will make it easier for your loved one to maneuver around a space if you remove all potential obstacles.
There are a number of products available on line and in stores that work to improve your home’s security. Baby monitors can be useful for watching over your loved ones behavior at night. If they get up to leave, you will often be able to hear them getting dressed through the monitor. Locks, alarms, and security systems can also be useful in preventing your loved one from wandering outside of your home.
For more information on Alzheimer’s, or any of your other Colorado elder law questions, click here to view our Wills and Trusts 101 seminar or call 303-758-0680 to get in touch with one of our Denver estate planning attorneys.