Home Safety With Alzheimer’s

April 1, 2019

Making Your Home Safe for Loved Ones With Alzheimer’s

If you are becoming the caregiver of a loved one who has Alzheimer’s, you know you need to make some changes. One of the first places you’ll need to start is your home. Use these helpful tips to help make your home safer and more secure for your loved one.

Tackle These Projects First

Safety should be any caretakers primary concern. There are some simple ways you can help your loved one stay safe in your home. Install some grab bars in slippery spots, like bathrooms and showers. Then, walk through your home and keep an eye out for dangerous ledges or tripping hazards. Use labels and large switches around the home, and make sure your home security system and locks are updated to prevent your loved one from wandering off. Also, use a measuring tape to help ensure there’s enough space to accommodate wheelchairs if necessary.

Be Mindful of Your Budget

Caring for a loved one can mean extra expenses. Be sure your home projects are completed in a way that won’t throw your finances off track. Look for DIY projects that you can complete on your own. When you need a handyman or contractor, use online tools to compare prices and reviews. It’s wise to look into grant opportunities as well. There are some funding options for homeowners looking to improve accessibility in their homes. Look into these resources and use them to keep yourself out of debt.

Consider Hiring Help

One of the most effective tools in caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s is people. In-home care and therapy are often needed for patients as they progress with their condition. Take this into consideration when planning out care. To make your life a little easier, you may also want to consider hiring people to help with household upkeep as well. Use a dog-walker to take care of pets or find someone who can keep up with the cleaning. You may even be able to have groceries and supplies delivered to avoid leaving your loved one alone.

Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s is never easy. You need to make sure you are prepared for this new role and that your home is as well. With a few simple steps, you can keep your loved one protected and give yourself some peace of mind.

Author: June is the co-creator of Rise Up for Caregivers, which offers support for family members and friends who have taken on the responsibility of caring for their loved ones. She is author of the upcoming book, The Complete Guide to Caregiving: A Daily Companion for New Senior Caregivers.