Keeping the person with Alzheimer’s Disease safe is very important and can be one of the most challenging task when caring for someone with Alzheimer’s.
In This Alzheimer’s Article:
Safe Environment For Alzheimer’s Patients
Activities Suited For People with Alzheimer’s
Establishing Daily Routine For Alzheimer’s Patients
Safety Devices To Reduce Wandering in Alzheimer’s
Visual Signs to Help People with Alzheimer’s
Observing Behavior Patterns of Alzheimer’s Patients
Hide Keys To Avoid Wandering in Alzheimer’s
Reassuring People with Alzheimer’s
Peaceful Environment To Prevent Wandering in Alzheimer’s
According to the Alzheimer’s Association more than 60% of Alzheimer’s patients wander at some point. People with Alzheimer’s Disease may wander away from their homes, care facilities or caregivers. As a result, Alzheimer’s patients turn up lost, disoriented and scared. Providing a safe environment and installing safety devices can help limit people with Alzheimer’s from wandering. However, despite your best efforts in keeping Alzheimer’s patients safe, it may still be impossible to prevent wandering completely.
Tips to help reduce wandering problems in Alzheimer’s:
1. Plan Activities. Keeping your aging loved with Alzheimer’s Disease busy with activities can help prevent wandering. Activities such as daily exercise, board games, crossword puzzles and dancing can help prevent restlessness in Alzheimer’s.
2. Structure their Day. Giving Alzheimer’s patients a job or tasks to do will help in establishing a routine. Routines are usually reassuring to people with Alzheimer’s Disease and may help in reducing wandering. Assigning light house chores such as folding clothes or gardening will be perfect.
3. Install Safety Devices. Installing alarms, locks or childproof covers on doorknobs can help protect your aging loved one with Alzheimer’s from wandering away from the house. Alarms and motion sensors are helpful because it will alert you if your aging relative opens the exit door.
4. Put Signs. People with Alzheimer’s tend to forget where they are, even in their own house. That’s why it’s helpful to put signs on doors around the house, including bedrooms, bathroom, dinning room and kitchen. It is also advisable to put a large “STOP” sign or “Do not Enter” sign on exit doors.
5. Be Observant. Be sure to observe and check with your loved one if he or she is hungry, thirsty, needs to use the restroom or needs something else. Oftentimes people with Alzheimer’s who wander may be looking for the restroom, kitchen or trying to fulfill a former job responsibility. This happens because Alzheimer’s patients tend to be confused and can’t remember where they are or where they want to go.
6. Hide Keys. Be sure that house keys and car keys are out of sight to avoid temptation of wandering away.
7. Provide Reassurance. If the person with Alzheimer’s insists on going home or going somewhere talk to them. It is important to reassure the Alzheimer’s patient if he or she feels lost, abandoned or disoriented.
8. Keep Environment Quiet and Relaxing. Avoid loud music or noises that can frighten the person with Alzheimer’s. Having a peaceful and quiet atmosphere at home can help avoid Alzheimer’s patients from wandering.
Planning ahead is key in protecting people with Alzheimer’s from wandering away. For additional caregiving tips when taking care of someone with Alzheimer’s, read the following caregiving articles below.
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About the Author: Catharine D. Allado is a Senior Care Expert and the COO of SeniorCareHomes.com – A trusted and comprehensive online directory of Senior Care Homes such as Assisted Living, Nursing Homes and other types of Senior Housing in California, Florida, New York, Arizona and the rest of the United States. SeniorCareHomes.com also provides FREE Assisted Living options to help seniors and families find the best Senior Housing on the planet!
Articles Related to Alzheimer’s Disease:
- Is It Alzheimer’s?
- Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease
- Caregiving Tips For People with Alzheimer’s Disease
- Detecting Alzheimer’s Disease Early
- Safer Home For People with Alzheimer’s Disease
- Understanding Dementia
Catharine “Kate” is a Certified Administrator for Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) and an Expert Senior Care Advisor. Kate’s grandmother battled Alzheimer’s Disease and Kate personally understands what millions of families are going through. Kate and her team are very passionate in empowering Seniors and their families by providing them with the Best Available Senior Care Options based on Senior’s care needs, preferred location and family’s budget.
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