Creating a Safe Home for Someone with Alzheimer’s

You’ve decided to become a family caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, but what comes next? Alzheimer’s care isn’t as simple as tending to an illness or injury, and there’s no way of knowing exactly what day-to-day life with Alzheimer’s disease is going to look like. However, there’s one thing all Alzheimer’s caregivers know for certain: At some point, their family member is going to require live-in care.

When you’re moving someone with Alzheimer’s disease out of their home into yours, proceeds from their home sale can be used to finance the following ideas. Before selling a home, review home prices and market trends in your area. Alternatively, you could look into refinancing your home; if you’re a veteran, a VA refinance could be your best option. Just make sure you explore all avenues before coming to a decision.

The right preparations will make the days ahead much easier on both you and your loved one. Here is a room-by-room guide. I’m an advocate for my fellow seniors in all of stages of health, and I authored The Ultimate Guide to Senior-Friendly Workouts, Fitness Gear, Healthy Recipes, and More. I hope the following guide is a supportive resource to those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease.

Exterior, Entrances and Exits

Since Alzheimer’s disease affects coordination, making stairs a fall risk, the best approach to entrances and exits is making them wheelchair accessible. Caregivers should also take measures to prevent wandering.

●      Build a slip-resistant ramp with railings at the main entrance.

●      Maintain a clear and well-lit walkway to the main entrance.

●      Install lighting over doors.

●      Install a security system that indicates when doors are opened.

●      Create a low-maintenance exterior with options like vinyl siding, composite decking and a metal roof.

●      Clogged gutters prevent proper rain drainage, causing runoff in all the wrong places and unnecessary slick spots around the home’s perimeter. Install gutter guards or hire a professional to clean gutters. Note that gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year.

Kitchen

In the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, Senior Link explains that many people can continue to prepare their own meals. However, supervision is necessary for safety. A person with Alzheimer’s might forget about a pan on the stove, eat expired food, or put silverware in the microwave. They’re also prone to rummaging through cabinets and drawers. 

●      Install safety covers on stove and oven knobs.

●      Store sharp utensils and cleaning products in child-locked drawers and cabinets.

●      Keep smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in working condition.

●      SayitwithSymbols.com suggests labeling cabinets and drawers with images to indicate what’s inside.

●      Be diligent about expiration dates and throwing away leftovers before they spoil.

●      Place clear instructions by permitted appliances like the microwave.

●      Consider meal delivery programs to ease cooking responsibilities.

Bathroom

With soft, neutral hues on walls and fixtures alike, the bathroom is a confusing place for a person with Alzheimer’s disease. Since Alzheimer’s affects visuospatial abilities, patients may have trouble locating objects in a room and judging distance. They might fall while trying to sit on the toilet or fail to find the toilet in time at all.

●      Keep the bathroom well-lit. Use motion-activated lighting or nightlights.

●      Install grab bars by the toilet and shower.

●      Use a toilet seat in a contrasting color that’s easy to identify.

●      Label shower faucets as hot and cold and adjust the water heater to a maximum temperature to prevent scalding.

Bedroom

The bedroom should be a calming place that soothes the anxieties of Alzheimer’s. Keep its layout simple while trying to make it feel like home.

●      Locate the bedroom on the ground floor near a bathroom.

●      Use nightlights or motion-activated lights for nighttime visibility.

●      Decorate in calming colors and use familiar items for a sense of comfort.

Living Areas

For the rest of the house, focus on creating an environment that’s easy to use. People with Alzheimer’s disease have trouble processing their environment, so when it comes to organization and décor, simpler is better.

●      Keep walkways uncluttered.

●      Secure area rugs.

●      Decorate in soothing colors; avoid patterns.

●      Use contrasting hues to make furniture easy to identify.

●      Remove decorative mirrors.

●      Lock up hazards like medications, weapons and alcohol.

●      Block staircases with safety gates.

●      Put corner guards on furniture edges to prevent scrapes and bruises.

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease requires being proactive about safety and accommodations. If you wait to react to problems as they arise, you could find yourself facing a catastrophic accident. However, Alzheimer’s safety doesn’t stop with these tips. As your loved one’s needs change, be ready to respond with additional safety measures as they become necessary.