Alzheimer's Disease Health Center

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Creating a Safe Environment for Alzheimer's Disease Patients

Adapting Your Environment for Alzheimer's Disease

Safety in the home is important for people with Alzheimer’s disease. Because Alzheimer's disease can make daily activities -- including eating, bathing, grooming, dressing, and using the toilet -- more difficult, it's important to modify the living environment to make it as easy as possible for the person with Alzheimer's to live and function.

What Are Some General Safety Measures?

Some practical things which will help create a safer environment include:

Have emergency numbers -- police, fire, poison control, and a neighbor's phone number -- readily available in case of emergency. It is probably best to write these numbers on a sticker and put it by the phone.
Have at least one phone located where it is always accessible. Keep a cordless phone in your pocket. This is especially important if you fall and can't get up to use the phone.
Make sure smoke detectors work properly.
Avoid using space heaters and electric blankets; these can fire hazards.
Consider installing a medical alert or personal alarm system for emergencies. Professional systems link directly to a representative around the clock. If a person has an immediate medical problem, he or she simply pushes a button on a special device worn around the wrist or neck, and a signal for help is sent immediately.

Home Safety and Alzheimer's Disease

You should take a good look around your home, especially noting the physical layout and services that are available for support. Some people can continue to live independently if they have complete support services. If you care for someone with Alzheimer's disease, it is important to make sure that they can use the stove or oven safely and be safe in the bathroom -- particularly using the bathtub or shower. A full home safety evaluation can be performed by therapists and social service workers who are professionally trained to look for potential hazards.

Bathroom. The bathroom can be a dangerous place for a person with Alzheimer's disease. As the person's ability to function decreases, it may become necessary to install grab bars in the shower or fold-down shower seats. Also, be sure to use non-slip floor mats and slip-resistant appliqués or tiles in the shower or tub.
Furniture. Simplify furniture arrangements. Make it as easy as possible for the person with Alzheimer's disease to navigate a room and get from point A to point B. Move or remove objects, such as a loose throw rug, that could be a tripping hazard.
Lighting. Be sure there is sufficient lighting. As people get older, they require 2-3 times the amount of light they needed when they were younger. Add the confusion associated with Alzheimer's disease, and you can understand how important it is to have enough light. However, too much light, especially when it causes glare, can be distracting and irritating.