One of the things that many family caregivers for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease struggle with is how to keep the person safe. People with Alzheimer’s disease may do unsafe things, like wander away from home. Because of the disease, they might not be able to find their way back home or tell someone else where they live.
Elderly Care in Etobicoke: Alzheimer’s Safety Tips
Alzheimer’s disease also affects judgment, so the senior might choose to do something that could harm them, such as consuming household chemicals. And, since people with Alzheimer’s may not recognize family members and friends, they could mistake them for intruders and try to hurt them. Worrying about safety is often one of the reasons family members choose to institutionalize seniors with Alzheimer’s disease. However, there are many steps you can take at home to keep them safe.
Below are some home safety tips for you to try.
-Add Safety Devices
When living with someone with Alzheimer’s disease, it may be doubly important to make sure the home is equipped with smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. The poor judgment that comes with the disease can result in the stove being left on or other inappropriate use of appliances. Stoves can be fitted with safety knobs and you can have an automatic shut-off switch installed. It’s also a good idea to place locks on cabinets where household chemicals or medications are kept. You may also want to put childproof plugs into outlets when they are not in use.
An elderly care provider can help with safety devices by changing the batteries regularly. They can also make sure that childproof plugs are inserted into outlets when something is unplugged. Elderly care providers can also monitor older adults to make sure they don’t harm themselves by trying to use the stove.
-Post Emergency Numbers
In case of an emergency, it’s important to have emergency contact numbers readily available. Post a list of emergency numbers, including police, fire, doctors, poison control, and other caregivers near all telephones in the house.
An elderly care provider can compile the list and place a copy near each phone. In the event that there is an emergency, the elderly care provider can call for help.
-Use Baby Monitors
Baby monitors are an inexpensive way to keep tabs on the older adult during the night or when you cannot see them. You can purchase monitors that relay sound only or opt for ones that also have video capabilities.
Elderly care providers can spend the night with your aging relative, keeping an eye on them using a baby monitor or even staying in the room with them if necessary.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Elderly Care in Etobicoke, contact the caring professionals at Staff Relief Health Care 24/7 at (905)-709-1767.
Sources
Alz.org
Mayoclinic.org
Nia.nih.gov
About Susan Di Michele
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