Safety & Alzheimer’s

Providing safety at home for the person with

Alzheimer’s

Natalie McFarland, RN

BS Nursing 2002 Southern Illinois UniversityLTC Since 2002Sycamore Village 2005, Deficiency Free 6 yearsCertified through Alzheimer’s Association Best Friends Approach Trainer

MISSION To be our community’s resource for

dementia care, research and education To provide comfort, care, love and

education to both our residents and their families living with dementia

To reach out beyond our walls and support healthcare providers, caregivers, family members and other in the greater community challenged by this degenerative disease through prevention, education, early detection and research initiatives

To return the love to those we are privileged to serve by fostering friendships and acknowledging their live stories

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Is a progressive and fatal brain disease Causes plaques and tangles in the brain that

destroys brain cells Is the most common form of dementia Has no cure

What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease?

Memory problems and cognitive impairment Difficulties with thinking and reasoning Confusion and poor judgment Difficulty finding words, finishing thoughts, or

following directions Agitation, irritability, or passiveness Wandering from home, elopement Not being able to tell the difference between

day and night

General Safety Principles

1. Think Prevention

2. Adapt the Environment

3. Minimize danger

Is it Safe to Leave the Person with Alzheimer’s Disease alone?Does the person with Alzheimer’s: Become confused or unpredictable under stress? Recognize a dangerous situation, such as fire? Know how to use the telephone in an emergency? Know how to get help? Stay content within the home? Wander and become disoriented? Show signs of agitation, depression, or withdrawal when left

alone for any period of time? Attempt to pursue former interests or hobbies that might

now warrant supervision, such as cooking, appliance repair, or woodworking?

Home Safety Room by Room

Throughout the Home

Display emergency numbers and your home address near all telephones.

Use an answering machine when you cannot answer the phone.

Hide a spare key outside in case the PWA locks you out of the home.

Cover unused electrical outlets with childproof plugs. Stairways should have at least one handrail and carpeting is

the safest flooring or safety grip strips. Use gates if the PWA has balance problem

Turn ringers on low. Avoid the use of extension cords. Check all rooms for adequate lighting.

Throughout the Home

Keep all medications locked. Keep all alcohol in a locked cabinet or out of reach of the

PWA. Remove all guns and other weapons from the home or lock

them up. Lock all power tools and machinery in the garage, workroom,

or basement. Remove all poisonous plants. Protect computer files with passwords

and back up the files. Keep hazardous chemicals out of reach.

Entryway

Avoid clutter and throw out or recycle newspapers, etc.

Remove rugs.

Use textured strips or nonskid wax on hardwood and tile floors to prevent slipping.

Keep walkways free of furniture.

Kitchen

Remove or secure the family “junk” drawer

Remove artificial fruits and vegetables or food magnets

Consider disconnecting the garbage disposal.

Store prescription and non-prescription medications in a locked cabinet

Bedroom

Use a night light.

Be cautious when using electric blankets or heating

pads.

Anticipate reasons a PWA might get out of bed, such

as hunger, thirst, going

to the bathroom, or

pain.

Bathroom

Use a night light. Do not leave a severely impaired PWA alone in the

bathroom. Remove the lock from the bathroom door. Place nonskid adhesive strips, decals, or mats in the tub and

shower and on floor. Use a raised toilet seat with handrails or grab bars. Install (contrasting) grab bars in the tub/shower. Use a plastic shower stool and a handheld shower head. Remove small electrical appliances from the bathroom. Set the water heater to 120 degrees.

Living Room

Clear electrical cords from walkways.

Remove rugs. Do not leave the PWA

alone with an open fire in the fireplace.

Keep the remotes controls out of sight.

Garage/Shed/Basement Lock access. Keep potentially dangerous items locked away in

cabinets or boxes. Secure and lock all motor vehicles. Cover ones that

are not frequently used. Keep all toxic materials out of view. Make sure area is well lit and walkway is safe.

Home Safety Behavior by Behavior

Wandering

PWA should wear nonskid shoes. Place locks high on exit doors.

Use doorknob covers. Use door alarms.

Disguise doors.

Place signs on doors.

Keep departure items out of sight.

Install safety device on windows.

Wandering

Obtain a medical ID bracelet.

Place ID labels in garments.

Use a monitoring device.

Notify neighbors.

Keep a current photo on file with local police

department.

Do not leave a PWA who has a history of wandering

unattended!

Rummaging/Hiding Things

Remove old/spoiled foods. Simplify the environment. Create a rummaging area. Close access to unused rooms. Keep all trash cans covered or

out of sight. Check trash cans before

emptying them in case something has been hidden there or accidentally thrown away.

Fire Safety

Install smoke alarms near kitchen and all sleeping area. Check batteries and functioning frequently.

Do not keep flammable compounds accessible. If smoking is permitted, monitor the PWA while

he/she is smoking. Remove smoking reminders.

Install safety knobs on the stove.

Agitation

Decrease noise levels.

Remove mirrors.

Keep furniture in the same place.

Avoid violent television programs.

Keep temperatures comfortable.

Special Gatherings/Holidays

Consider a more intimate gathering.

Have family visit in small groups. Simply your holidays to avoid

stress. Avoid flammable, toxic, or

breakable decorations.

Vision

Create a color contrast between floors and walls. Keep colors solid. Use dishes and placemats with contrasting colors. Mark edges of steps with

bright colored tape. Place pictures on doors to

identify rooms such as a toilet on the bathroom door.

Taste Keep condiments hidden. Remove or lock up items such as toothpaste,

perfume, lotion, etc. that may smell like food.

Keep the poison control number by the telephone.

Keep a bottle of ipecac. Learn the Heimlich.

Warning Signs of Unsafe Driving

Does the PWA: Get lost while driving to a

familiar location? Fail to obey traffic laws? Drive at inappropriate speeds? Become easily frustrated or

more confused while driving? Make slow or poor decisions?

How to Stop your Loved One from Driving

Be supportive.

Give simple explanations.

Talk to the doctor.

Park the car at a friend’s house.

Hide the keys.

Planning Back-Up Care

Consult a lawyer. Consult with family and

friends.

Maintain a notebook. Preview long-term care

facilities in your community.

Care for the Caregiver

“Caregivers are at increased risk for depression and illness, especially if they do not receive adequate support from family, friends, and the community.”

~ National Institute on Aging

As you take on the commitment to care for a person with Alzheimer’s, please take on the equally important

commitment to care for yourself.

References

Department of Health & Human Services NIH Publication NO. 02-5179

Contact Us

www.sycamorevillage.netwww.facebook.com/sycamorevillagewww.youtube.com/sycamorevillagewww.flickr.com/sycamorevillagewww.twitter.com/sycamorevillage

Phone: 618-222-2571Email: nmcfarland@sycamorevillage.net