Health Tip: Make Your Home Safer For People With Alzheimer’s

It’s important to keep your home as safe as possible,
especially if a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease.

The U.S. National Institute on Aging offers these suggestions:

Clearly post emergency numbers and your home address near any telephone.
Install secure locks on all outside doors and windows.
Install alarms that notify you when a door or window is opened.
Hide a spare house key outside, in case the person with Alzheimer’s locks you out of the home.
Avoid extension cords, which could pose tripping hazards.
Cover unused electrical outlets with childproof inserts.
Place red tape around floor vents, radiators and other heating devices to deter the person with Alzheimer’s from approaching them.
Check all rooms for adequate lighting.
Stairways should have at a handrail that extends beyond the first and last steps. If possible, stairways should be carpeted or have safety grip strips. Put a gate across the stairs if there’s a balance issue.
Keep medications and any alcohol locked and out of reach.
Avoid clutter, which can create confusion and danger.
Remove all weapons from the home or lock them up.
Lock all power tools and machinery.
Remove any poisonous plants from the home.