Home Improvements for Alzheimer's

Most of us hope that when we are no longer able to care for ourselves, we will not become a burden on a loved one. But the reality is that long-term care facilities and nursing homes are currently not able to meet the demands of a growing elderly population, and families are forced into situations where they need to care for an ailing relative in the home. This situation is especially challenging if the family member is an Alzheimer's sufferer. However, there are many small household modifications that will make caring for an Alzheimer's patient safer and much less stressful.

Reduce the Risk of Falls

You probably know to add sturdy railings to stairs and remove loose cords to reduce the risk of falling. But did you know that placing different colored non-slip rugs in front of doors and staircases can help the patient anticipate them? And that, if stairs have a smooth surface, you should apply rough-textured treads or paint to prevent slipping? Or that you should avoid the issue of the stairs altogether by confining daily activities to the lower level of the house? Other ways to avoid falls include using chairs with arms or adding seatbelts to chairs. And, of course, install grab-bars on the inside and outside of the shower or bathtub, and use non-skid decals on the floor.

Ensure Ease of Movement

There are a number of ways to prevent problems that can arise from simply moving about the house. Get a baby monitor, which will help you keep an ear on things. Remove the bathroom lock to prevent the patient from locking him or herself inside, and hide a spare house-key outside in case the patient locks you out of the house. Place decals on glass doors, to prevent the patient from walking into them. In the bathroom, install a safety frame, raised seat, or grab-bar, and stick contrasting colored tape around the upper perimeter of the bathtub to help define its edges. In the kitchen, add extended hand levers to taps for patients with reduced fine motor skills; and remove or hide sink stoppers to avoid overflows. Buy telephones with large, easy-to-read buttons, and program them with emergency numbers. To help the patient get in and out of bed, add a trapeze-bar next to the bed, or remove the frame altogether,

Minimize Confusion

As Alzheimer's progresses, patients can easily become confused, distracted, and disoriented. Make the home a more calming environment: paint the walls a solid color and avoid patterned wallpaper. Avoid playing loud music or leaving the television on. Don't put up blinking lights during the Christmas holidays, which can exacerbate confusion.

Prevent Wandering

Wandering is a serious problem with Alzheimer's. Locking all the doors can be very frustrating and frightening to the patient. Instead, place STOP, DO NOT ENTER, or CLOSED signs on strategic doors. To inhibit thoughts of leaving, try to keep items such as coats, shoes, keys, and hats stored out of view. To prevent the patient from trying to go outside at night, turn off outdoor lights. Divert the patient's attention away from doors and windows by camouflaging them with scenic posters, bright curtains, streamers, or wallpaper that matches the walls. A false bookshelf poster placed over a door may also help to "hide" it from view. And to alert you, if your patient does attempt to leave the house without your knowledge, install an electronic alarm system on all exit doors and windows and motion-sensitive lights in the yard.

Reduce the Risk of Poisoning

Patients may become confused about what is and is not appropriate to eat and they may leave food around the house. To prevent the patient from eating non-food items, remove artificial fruit and remove or lock-up the kitchen "junk drawer." Lock-up chemical cleaning agents, discard poisonous houseplants, and keep shampoo and other washing liquids out of reach. Also, keep sugar, spices, and salt out of reach, to prevent overuse, which could make the patient sick. And leave countertops bare so food is not put into pockets and forgotten.

Assure Fire Safety

Most home fires are accidental. But there are things you can do to reduce the chance of your Alzheimer's patient inadvertently starting a fire. Buy appliances with an automatic shut-off and hide grills and toasters. Remove stove knobs when the stove is not in use, and remove or switch off the stove fuse or turn off the gas. Towels, curtains, and other fabrics should be kept away from the stove. Remove space heaters and electric blankets, and, if the thermostat is accessible, secure it with a lock box. Install additional smoke alarms throughout the house, including in the patient's bedroom. If the patient is a smoker, do not ever allow them to smoke alone, and, when they do smoke, put a little water in their ashtray. And, most importantly, establish an emergency exit plan.

Other Resources

• The Alzheimer's Association

• The CLSC Cote-des-Neiges created a SAS Safety Assessment Scale for Alzheimer's patients.

• The Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center

• Children of Older Parents

• Family Caregiver Alliance

• Well Spouse Foundation

• Elder Care Online