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In Australia an estimated 1.5 million people are involved in the care of someone living with dementia while an estimated 447,115 Australians are currently living with dementia with that number expected to increase to 589,807 by 2028 if there are no medical breakthroughs.
Additionally symptoms such as confusion, memory loss and disorientation along with problems with mobility and co-ordination may impact on the individual’s safety. Therefore it’s important for family, carers, friends and health professionals ensure that the patient’s home is secured as much as possible to prevent injuries.
General Safety Tips
- Arrange furniture to be simple and consistent as well as uncluttered to prevent confusion
- Remove loose rugs and seal carpet edges as they may become tripping hazards
- Long electrical cords on appliances should be replaced with coiled or retractable cords
- Batteries on smoke detectors should be checked to ensure that it works and that the alarm is loud enough
- Dangerous forms of heating, such as bar radiators, should be replaced with safer options like column heaters
- Install safety switches throughout the home
- Clocks should be easy to read and if you have any calendars make sure it’s large and legible to prevent confusion in dementia patients
Kitchen Safety Tips
- Reduce the temperature of hot water using a thermostat
- Check appliances, such as heaters and toasters, and ensure they’re not a hazard risk
- It is recommended that there are automatic cut offs for hot water jugs and other similar appliances
- Dispose of, or store, hazardous materials such as kerosene
- Place in large print a list of contact names and numbers by the telephone for emergencies
- Remove artificial fruits or vegetables or magnets that are food-shaped as these might appear to be edible to patients with dementia
Bedroom Safety Tips
- It is best to remove electric blankets and hot water bottles as they present a safety hazard for patients with dementia
- At night it is best to utilise nightlights in the bedroom so dementia patients can find their way out at night.
Bathroom Safety Tips
- Utilise hand-held shower hoses as it allows a person to direct the flow of water as desired
- Use shower or bath seats to allow the person to be seated while bathing as well as eliminating the need for the person to lower themselves into a bath
- To avoid falls install hand rails at baths, showers and toilets
- Reduce hot water temperature using a thermostat
- Dispose of, or safely store, all medications
- Utilising nightlights in hallways and in toilets can assist a person to find their way to the bathroom at night
Some people living with dementia may become disoriented and become lost in unfamiliar, or even familiar, surroundings. As such it’s important that they carry proper identifications at all times including:
- Name
- Address
- Emergency contact number
However to prevent them from wandering in the first place it’s best to ensure that there are catches on gates to prevent them from opening it in the first place as well as keeping paths clear of overhanging branches and swept for any debris. Removing dangerous plants and hazardous substances from sheds and garages are also vital when having a dementia patient at home.
Hopefully these safety tips gives you a better understanding of the things that you can do to make sure that your home is safe for dementia patients. By no means is this an exhaustive list and there are plenty of other tips that your occupational therapist can recommend to you.
Active Mobility stocks a wide range of falls prevention equipment including non-skid socks, hip protectors, alarms and sensors. Our experienced sales consultants are more than happy to assist you with your needs, give us a call on 02 9649 2111 and see how we can help you.