Topic Overview
Confusion, wandering, and memory loss can lead to accidents and
injuries. Help protect the person with
by making your home safe.
- Keep rooms uncluttered, with clear walkways
around furniture. Don't move furniture around because the person may become
confused. Remove throw rugs to prevent tripping.
- Use locks on doors
and cupboards. Lock up knives, scissors, medications, cleaning supplies, and
other dangerous objects and substances.
- Use hidden switches or
controls for the stove, thermostat, water heater, and other appliances, and use
child-proofing devices. Assess the risk of allowing the person to continue
cooking.
- Consider using carpet to help absorb noise and to prevent
slipping.
- Install handrails, tub mats, and other assistive devices
in the bathroom. Use bright, nonslip treads in the bathtub to prevent falls and
make it easier for the person to see the bottom of the tub (some people with
dementia have depth perception problems).
- Provide adequate
lighting, especially at night. Put night-lights in bedrooms, hallways, and
bathrooms.
- Lower the hot water temperature setting to
120°F (49°C) or lower to
avoid burns.