Home Safety for Dementia

Safety is an important part of caregiving for an individual living with dementia. It may be necessary to make some modifications in your home to ensure that it is safe and secure for your loved one. Ensure to walk and look through your home carefully to determine what may be dangerous for your loved one. As the disease progresses, you will need to continue to review your home and become aware of possible new hazards and take extra precautions that may be necessary. To make sure your house is safe for your loved one you may need to ask yourself:

• Do I need to put away any rugs or tape down any carpets to prevent falls?

• Are the stairways in my home safe for my loved one to use?

• Are there railings and safe grab bars?

• Should I consider getting safety equipment in the bathroom? Would grab bars, an elevated toilet seat, or a non- slip mat make it safer?

• Is my loved one able to use the electrical appliances in the kitchen and bathroom safely?

• Do I need to unplug the stove?

• Do I need to hide anything in the home that may be dangerous for my loved one (knives, blender, curling iron, etc.)?

• Should the hot water heater temperature be lowered?

• Are there any items in the house that should be stored in locked cupboards?

• Are there any medications, cleaning substances, or chemicals that should be locked away?

• Should I put alarms on any doors in the home?

• Is the lighting in any room creating any shadows that may cause confusion?

• Are there items such as pictures or mirrors that may confuse your loved one?