Safety Tips to Help Dementia Patients and Caregivers
Submitted by Loretta Matters on Tue, 10/01/2013 - 09:53
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Note: this resource was provided by the Alzheimer's Association.
Steps to take for a person with dementia
Safety is important for everyone, but the need for a comprehensive safety plan is particularly important for a person with Alzheimer’s as the disease progresses.
Alzheimer’s disease causes a number of changes in the brain and body that may affect safety. Depending on the stage of the disease, these can include:
- Judgment: forgetting how to use household appliances.
- Sense of time and place: getting lost on one’s own street.
- Behavior: becoming easily confused, suspicious or fearful.
- Physical ability: having trouble with balance.
- Senses: experiencing changes in vision, hearing, sensitivity to temperature or depth perception.
Taking measures to improve safety can prevent injuries and help a person with dementia feel more relaxed, less overwhelmed and maintain his or her independence longer.
The Alzheimer’s Association offers helpful information for keeping a person with dementia safe.
- Safety at home
- Wandering and getting lost
- Driving
- Tips for safe travel
- Disaster preparedness