Ways to Improve Safety for a Senior with Alzheimer’s
Having an aging loved one or spouse diagnosed with Alzheimer’s can feel devastating. Even though you may have recognized the earliest signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s, once it is formally diagnosed, it may take time to deal with it. You may go through a grieving process. So, too, will the senior who has received that diagnosis. Like cancer or other terminal illnesses, life changes with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s care services can make a world of difference when it comes to safety, even for somebody whose spouse or other family is there almost around the clock.
Along the way, it’s important to realize safety for somebody with any form of dementia, like Alzheimer’s, is going to be different. As soon as somebody you care about is diagnosed, you should focus on safety for them.
Below are five ways to help improve safety for an aging senior who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
1. Pay attention to kitchen safety.
Alzheimer’s Care Berkeley Heights NJ – Ways to Improve Safety for a Senior with Alzheimer’s
We often think that safety in the kitchen is about whether or not the senior left the stove on. Yet, there is so much more potential risk in the kitchen.
Dull knives are more dangerous than sharp ones. They require more force to cut through meat, vegetables, and other items and if it slips, it’s going to do a lot of damage to the hands.
Also, if somebody has difficulty with mobility as a result of Alzheimer’s, or tends to get forgetful, keep things simple and within reach. They don’t need 100 spices when five will be more than enough.
2. Focus on the wandering risks.
Somebody diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia may be at risk of wandering. This may seem relatively minor, but a person who wanders away from home can get lost, confused, or turned around, and in cold or hot weather, inclement weather, or other situations, it can be life-threatening.
Put reminders up on the doors for the seniors to read telling them to stop, they don’t need to go outside without support. Also, consider locks or alarms that can keep them safe.
3. Reduce clutter.
The longer a person has stayed in the same home, the more likely they have built up a collection of items. Reducing clutter can reduce the risk of tripping hazards. That can make somebody with Alzheimer’s at least a bit safer.
4. Maintain consistency where possible.
It’s not always easy to be consistent when you have a busy schedule. If you are a spouse, adult child, or another family caregiver, professional Alzheimer’s care or other elder care can fill in the gaps, offering consistency.
Where consistency is a problem, confusion, and frustration for someone with Alzheimer’s can build. Rely on professional Alzheimer’s care agencies to help keep consistent schedules.
5. Boost supervision.
Again, turning to an in-home care agency can help boost the amount of supervision a person with Alzheimer’s receives daily. Don’t just assume since they are having a ‘good morning’ that they will be fine the rest of the day while you head off to work.
Be certain. Have a professional Alzheimer’s care aide assisting them when it matters most.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Alzheimer’s Care Services in Berkley Heights NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today.
Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.
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