| |
15 Dartmouth Road Suite 15
Bedford, Nova Scotia
B4A 3X6 902 - 835 - 2000
|
Other Safety and Security Measures
To protect the safety of people with Alzheimer's Disease in and around the home, and to ensure that they do not wander away and get lost or come to harm, the following precautions are suggested.
[ Locks for Safety and Security | Safe Furniture/Furnishings | Safety Precautions in the Bathroom | Safety in the Kitchen | Safety and Security Near and on Stairs | Other Safety and Security Measures ]
Put away power tools, scissors and any other items that the AD person can no longer use safely, such as liquor, fans, keys, lamps with cords, firearms, lighters and matches, glassware from the china cabinet, and small electrical appliances (such as hair dryers).
<< Put plastic plugs in all electrical outlets.
Remove the bed frame, so that a fall out of bed will not be so damaging.
Remove sharp-cornered furniture and sharp objects.
If the AD person smokes, put a little water in all the ashtrays.
Keep outside lights off at night to discourage the AD person from going out of the house (as darkness tends to frighten people with AD).
<< Distract the AD person from escaping through windows or doors by camouflaging them with decorations- for example, a colourful hanging glass decoration in the window.
Remove the rug from under the table where you eat- it may be too difficult for the AD person to push a chair back and may cause a fall. It is also easier to clean up bare floor.
Remove items that are precious and breakable, such as ornaments and delicate antiques.
Give away poisonous house plants, which may be eaten by the AD person.
Do not wax floors- the slippery finish is treacherous and the shininess may create frightening reflections.
<< To avoid burns and scalding, lower the hot water temperature, cover the hot water pipes, and put pieces of furniture in front of hot radiators.
If possible, make part of the house so safe that the patient can be up and pacing while the caregiver is asleep in another room.
Close up the fireplace.
<< Mark sliding glass doors with decals to prevent the AD person from walking into them.
Leave a squeaky door or floor squeaky so to alert the caregiver of wandering.
Outline porch steps with bright coloured paint contrasting with rise (to help define the edges of steps and prevent tripping).
<< Install rubber treads on uncarpeted indoor and outdoor stairs to improve traction.
Add a safety railing on outside steps or along verandah.
Install bells or an electronic alarm system on exit doors.
Remove locks from all inside doors.
Return to: Water and Wastewater
or
Maintaining a Home
or
CMHC Main Menu
or
Ann's Home Page
|
