EXPLORE THEIR ENVIRONMENT: Never assume safety precautions are not needed....
CAN THEY STAY ALONE? One of the biggest and most important safety questions. Don't delay getting help because of their reluctance to have someone in their home or for cost. The person responsible for their care is the one responsible for their overall safety and the safety of those around them. It is tempting to think they are not "quite ready" . "Quite" is a very scary word in this situation.. If 24 hour care is necessary, rotate family members, hire extra caregivers or find an excellent memory care unit. This is a very sad step, but a crucial one.
- SECURE ALL MEDICATIONS AND HAZARDOUS PRODUCTS. "Baby-proof" the living areas. If they ask, "Why?" Answer- "Protecting child visitors".
- SECURE OUTSIDE DOORS- Remember emergency personnel must be able to enter. To secure doors, try: motion detectors. This one has a chime setting which will not frighten. Try wall baskets filled with large silk flower bouquets wired to doorknobs . Caregivers can reach through the bouquet to turn the now hidden doorknob. Download SAFETY DOOR BASKET for you to make. Murals attached to door and child-proof door knobs can be used: however, try to use murals and doorknob covers as a last resort. See these door knob covers. How frustrating to not recognize your home or be able to turn a doorknob when so many other things are changing! IF A DOOR BECOMES UNSECURED, make sure they have some form of ID- bracelet and cloth address labels (even in night clothes)!
- SECURE INTERIOR DOORS LEADING TO DANGEROUS PLACES, basement, attic, garage, laundry room. Deadbolts can be used. Hide the key.
- SECURE WINDOWS. Small tension rods can be placed vertically in the upper sash near the framing.
- MONITOR APPLIANCES. You may have to throw the breaker when appliances are not in use by the caregiver. Confusion from dementia can lead one to melt lingerie in the microwave, place dishes in the washing machine, and load cloth place mats into the dishwasher. Very sad and damaging happenings....
- HIDE THE CAR KEYS. This is a hard one! If they are insistent, find a good reason. Be strong! You are not only protecting them, but also innocent others. Example: "The doctor says driving is not good for your hip. I'll drive this time." Teepa Snow says never take anything away without giving them something else.
- FIND A SAFE PLACE FOR DANGEROUS OBJECTS. Firearms, knives, lighters, matches, scissors,fingernail files can all become problematic when memory loss impairs correct usage.
- REMOVE SCATTER RUGS.
- REPLACE GLASS WITH PLEXIGLAS IN PICTURE FRAMES.
- SUBSTITUTE PRETTY PLASTIC BEVERAGE CONTAINERS FOR THE GLASS ONES.
- CHECK HOT WATER TEMPERATURE TO AVOID BURNS.
- ALARM PADS placed in beds and chairs can alert caregiver to movement. Check the loudness of the alarm to avoid startling. Can anyone out there create a pad that programs favorite songs!? Here is an example of a bed alarm.
- COMBATIVENESS can be very dangerous to your loved one and the caregiver. If aggressiveness is displayed, it is best for the caregiver to stand back and not touch, if possible. Try to understand what started the mood change. Was it physical pain, tiredness, over-stimulation, emotional pain over something they cannot do (such as-"Go home to see Mama or Daddy")? Remember that when the adrenalin starts flowing, even older, weak muscled ones can be very strong. Try to divert their attention- sing, ask for their help in folding dish towels or dusting. Offer favorite food (always have this on hand). Do not hesitate to call in extra help. Have a list of numbers of family and friends who will come and help with diversion. Sometimes just the change of a new face entering the scene is helpful. It's all trial and error. See what works and tell other caregivers.
- AND NOTE: WHAT WORKS TODAY MAY OR MAY NOT WORK TOMORROW...