(HealthDay News) — It’s important to keep your home as safe as possible,
especially if a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease.
The U.S. National Institute on Aging offers these suggestions:
- Clearly post emergency numbers and your home address near any telephone.
- Install secure locks on all outside doors and windows.
- Install alarms that notify you when a door or window is opened.
- Hide a spare house key outside, in case the person with Alzheimer’s locks you out of the home.
- Avoid extension cords, which could pose tripping hazards.
- Cover unused electrical outlets with childproof inserts.
- Place red tape around floor vents, radiators and other heating devices to deter the person with Alzheimer’s from approaching them.
- Check all rooms for adequate lighting.
- Stairways should have at a handrail that extends beyond the first and last steps. If possible, stairways should be carpeted or have safety grip strips. Put a gate across the stairs if there’s a balance issue.
- Keep medications and any alcohol locked and out of reach.
- Avoid clutter, which can create confusion and danger.
- Remove all weapons from the home or lock them up.
- Lock all power tools and machinery.
- Remove any poisonous plants from the home.
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