Ways To Make Your Home Alzheimer’s Friendly

Dementia and Alzheimer’s are neurological conditions that can extensively impact the day-to-day lives of those affected by it. Alzheimer’s disease impacts an individual’s memory, causes confusion and balance problems, impairs sound decision-making, and leads to some behavior and personality changes. The worst part is that the symptoms of Alzheimer’s worsen over time. As a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia, you will know the challenges well with one such challenge being adapting your living space to better accommodate your loved one’s changing needs.

Living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is difficult for everyone involved. It becomes even more difficult for family caregivers to keep up the quality of care at home. The best option for your senior loved one is to book a suite at an assisted facility, such as Anthem Senior Living in Phoenix. It is an award-winning Anthem assisted living facility in the region.

The living space of a person living with Alzheimer’s disease can be a dangerous place. Here are some tips for creating a safer living environment for a person with Alzheimer’s. Your senior loved one’s risk of falling is significantly reduced, his memory is aided, and has more independence to use his/her own abilities when your home incorporates the elements of Alzheimer’s-friendly design:

Bathroom Safety– Bathroom is one of the most common areas of a living space where the seniors are at risk for accidental falls. This highlights the importance of installing specific bathroom amenities, such as grab bars in the shower and next to the toilet, a fold-down shower seat or place of freestanding shower seat in the shower or tub, and non-skid mats- these can make getting around on one’s own easier.

The best part about an assisted facility is the fact that they have care staff trained to assist in the washroom along with access to amenities that reduce the risk of shower spills.

Place A List Of Emergency Numbers Near All Phones– Leave large displays of emergency numbers- police, fire, poison control, doctors, family contacts, and a neighbor’s phone number- near all phones. This can come for their help in the event of an unfortunate incident while they are home alone.

Lock Up Hazardous Materials– It is essentially impossible for someone living with Alzheimer’s to evaluate a condition as safe or unsafe, so it’s advisable to eliminate any hazardous items, such as sharp knives, tools, chemical supplies, ladders, etc. or shut your beloved off to dangerous areas of the home- a big step towards home safety.

Simultaneously, clear out any trash or items that have been left on the floor after use since even a little clutter can lead to a major fall hazard.

Lighting– As people grow old, they need two to three times the amount of light they needed when they were younger, so make sure to add extra lighting to hallways, main entrance, top and bottom of stairs, and bedrooms and bathrooms. Keep nightlights in bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchen.

Outdoor Safety– Keep the outdoor access and exits as secure as possible. It is especially important for those living with cognitive impairment who still live at home. For example, keep the area where there’s swimming pool blocked off with an installation gate and lock.