Tips to Help Keep a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Safe

Alzheimer’s disease results in symptoms causing impaired judgement, forgetfulness, and agitation, as well as problems with gait and balance increasing the risk for falls. This is why experts say it is important to take the proper steps to keep your spouse or mom or dad safe if they have Alzheimer’s. They explain the goal of caregivers should be a balancing act between providing an environment that offers as much independence as possible, while at the same time, ensuring the person’s safety and wellbeing. 

Recommendations include removing knobs from the stove, and if the person can handle it, install automatic shut-off valves with timer and motion sensors. At a certain stage of the disease, it is not safe for the person to be cooking, and if needed, look into food delivery services. Additionally lower the temperature of the water coming from your taps to avoid the person getting scalded from hot water. As confusion is part of Alzheimer’s, experts say store dangerous chemicals and cleaning supplies in a locked area. 

To reduce the risk for falls, install grab bars in the bathroom and put non-skid mats in the tub or shower. Stairways should be well-lit and uncluttered as well as hallways and pathways from room to room. Doctors who work with Alzheimer’s patients caution it is important to remember it is a progressive disease, and there may be a time when more restrictive protocols are necessary such as closing off a staircase altogether.       

At the MorningStar of Arvada, our Reflections Neighborhood provides 29 secure memory care suites for residents suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The neighborhood is separate from the rest of our community and includes an enclosed courtyard, suites equipped with emergency call systems, and handicap-accessible bathrooms. Each resident receives an individualized service plan and participants in daily activities such as arts and crafts, listening or dancing to music, physical exercise, special celebrations and other events. 

In addition we have 112 bright independent and assisted living suites in spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (some as large as 1374 square feet). Please visit our website to learn more about trusted memory care Arvada, CO offers.