Making Your House Safe for a Loved One with Dementia or Alzheimer’s in Orlando, Florida Area
- April 16, 2020
- ontarget
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Dementia and Alzheimer’s can affect a person’s response to visual input. This can lead them by having problems navigating the following:
1. Busy patterns.
2. Strong light/dark contrast.
3. Monochrome Palettes.
4. Navigating Stairways.
In order to avoid and reduce risk in your loved one’s navigation of the rooms in the house, you can look the following:
1. Furniture blocking a walkway.
2. Throw rugs.
3. Bright lighting in one section of the room and dark area in another part of the room.
You can move toward safe proofing the home for your loved one. This will help alleviate your loved one’s stress and confusion while maneuvering through the house; and make them feel more comfortable in their housing environment by:
1. Clearing pathways.
2. Removing loose wires and cords. Tuck them behind furniture. Use tape to keep them in place.
3. Taking up throw rugs.
4. Do not store things in hallway or stairs. Remove boxes, piles of paper, and clutter.
5. Look for anything that might catch on clothing, a cane or a walker.
Adjust the lighting:
1. Make sure walkways are well lit.
2. Reduce both shadows and glare.
3. Replace burned-out light bulbs
4. Add night lights where needed.
Make bathrooms safer:
1. Add a non-slip mat to the inside of the shower or bathtub.
2. Get a shower or bath chair.
3. Install grab bars in the shower.
4. Use a raised toilet seat.
Choose the right shoes:
1. Avoid slip-on or backless shoes. Provide sturdy footwear that fits well and has rubber or non-skid soles. If laces are a problem, Velcro closures are a good choice.
2. Low or no heels are best.
3. Don’t let your loved one walk around in stocking feet. Shoes are the best bet, even indoors.
There are additional tips to keep in mind. Alzheimer’s increases sensitivity to noise, and too much noise may lead to agitation and confusion. Try to reduce noise levels in rooms where your loved one spends time. Many medications, including those for blood pressure and mood disorders, can cause dizziness and other effects that may lead to falls. If your loved one takes medications, ask a healthcare provider for advice on possible side effects. Regular activity is important to help preserve balance and strength. Getting up and moving several times a day is best. Help your loved one go for walks, or you might even put on music and dance together.
Your loved one is your top priority, and at times things may seem overwhelming. It’s best to tackle things one step at a time. The bathroom is a common place for falls, so maybe start there. Keep in mind that your loved one may have a hard time adjusting to changes. So, don’t change everything all at once. This may only add to the confusion.
If you have more questions regarding a Guardianship or Elder matter, you may call Ann Marie Giordano Gilden at Ann Marie Giordano Gilden, P.A. at 407-732-7620 and set an initial consultation. You may also visit my website at: https//:www.AnnMarieGildenLaw.com
This article is for informational purposes only; and it does not form an attorney client privilege.