Home Safety for Persons With Alzheimer's

Years ago when my father first exhibited signs of the beginning stages of Alzheimer's disease in 1980, there was not near enough known about the disease, or how to care for someone with it. Thank goodness that today's technology has come to the rescue with improvements through research, and its lead to people being able to stay home for longer periods of time with a close caregiver. Read about some of the tips that I used on making the house safer, and some new products that will help you do that for your loved one.

People with Alzheimer's gradually loose their cognitive mental functions. Dementia sets in, and eventually you will have to secure your home, just like you would with a small child. Persons with Alzheimer's do not mean to get themselves into trouble, but you would be surprised how they turn common objects into weapons that hurt themselves and other people. Once, my father threw an engraved keepsake at another person; something I never imagined could be a problem. The list below has some tips and ideas that you can use to keep your loved ones and your home safe.

• Secure cabinets and drawers. Use child proof safety locks on all drawers and cabinets doors. Especially cabinets where you store household cleaners, detergents, knives, etc. Even the safest item when used in the wrong way, can be harmful to your loved one. My father was found confusing an anti inflammatory cream for a skin rash, and a strong cream for arthritis. He broke out and had to be taken to the emergency room for a visit. There are a thousand different ways that someone with Alzheimer's can be hurt from common household chemicals, medicines, and everyday devices found in your home, such as knives and cork screws for wine bottles, as well as glass objects like keepsakes and picture frames.