Making the Home Safe for Those with Alzheimer's



Question:

How can I make my home safe for my loved one who has Alzheiner's? I worry that my home is not safe.

Answer:

  • Think about turning down your home water heater below 120 degrees. This is because many times those with Alzhimer's may no longer be sensitive to extreme temperatures.
  • Consider making an emergency list of phone numbers.
  • Avoid using child saftey gates. These gates should not be used to prevent wandering, because the Alzheimer's patient could trip over them or kick them down.
  • Some with Alzheimer's become confused when they see mirrors or glass surfaces. If they become frightened take the mirrors away or cover them up.
  • Remove electrical appliances, such as hair dryers, curling irons and electrical razors from the bathroom.
  • Provide a safe place where your loved one can roam or move freely without the risk of injury. Supervision is still important particularly as the disease progresses and the likelihood of needing assistance continues.
  • Keep night lights on at night to avoid tripping and bumping into items in the dark.
  • If floor rugs do not have a non-skid backing remove them they are the culprit of many falls in the home.
  • Provide grab rails and/or a shower/tub chair in the bathroom. Use non-skid floor adhesives in the tub or shower.
  • Use a two-way communication intercom system; place one in your loved ones bedroom and one wherever the caregivers is to assist with knowing if an individual is up and about or sleeping.

The Painful Truth

At least half of all caregivers are caring for a loved one that lives with pain that goes untreated. Many loved ones complain of pain but not all receive pain medication. Many people needing 24 hour care who live at home have pain that is under-treated.  For the elderly the leading cause of pain is musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis and osteoporosis, shingles and other neuropathic conditions, and diabetes.  While adequate treatment of pain caused by the above conditions is important, it can be tough on the caregiver to try to figure out what to do. the barriers are numerous:

  • Cognitive Problems: Half of loved ones receiving care at home have impaired memory or language function, making it hard for them to communicate about their pain.
  • Multiple Medical Problems: Many loved ones receive care at home suffer from multiple medical problems and multiple sources of pain. Caregivers struggle with the following questions: "Is it a chronic pain or is it new?" "Is it arthritis or a fall?" It is difficult for the caregiver to sort out. In some cases acute pain may in error be blamed on a chronic condition. Remember caregivers, when in doubt see medical advice.

The Caregivers Daily Battle

If you are going to give advice to a caregiver have the facts. Let's start with the caregiver living with one with some form of Alzheimer's or dementia. the loss of functional ability, the development of behavioral disturbances, and dependence are the rule in those with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. These factors impose a burden on the caregiver, which can result in depression or other emotional disturbances. the ability to cope with the burden of dementia varies among caregivers. Mature coping strategies, a good relationship with the person with Alzheimers, supportive family and friends, professional support, membership in a support group and knowledge of the disease, can help to reduce the severity of caregiver distress.

Caregivers more vulnerable to depression include those who are socially isolated, physically ill or those who use immature coping mechanisms. Many reports have been given that state that those caregivers dealing with loved ones with behavioral disturbances of dementia are more likely to have emotional stress. the fact that a cvaregiver has taken on a great deal of responsibility should not worry others unless they are helping to relieve the responsibility placed on the caregiver.

Words of kindness are nice. However, if we really want to make a caregiver smile and have tears of joy turn words into action. Do something to help. Remember, it is not what we give, but what we share, for the gift without the giver is bare.