Introduction

When caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease, having a safe and supportive home is important. There are steps you can take to adapt the home to the person's changing needs.

Limit access to dangerous places

The person with dementia may be at risk if he or she can reach certain areas of the home or outdoors.

• Lock or disguise hazardous areas. Cover doors and locks with a painted mural or cloth. Use swinging or folding doors to hide entrances to the kitchen, stairwell or garage.

• Install locks out of sight. Place deadbolts either high or low on exterior doors to make it difficult for the person to wander out of the house.

• Remove locks in bathrooms or bedrooms so the person cannot get locked inside.

• Use child-proof locks and door knob covers to limit access to places where knives, appliances and poisonous cleaning fluids are stored.

• Use appliances that have an auto shut-off feature. Some brands of irons, toaster ovens and coffee makers have this feature.

Adapt to vision limitations

The person may not be able to distinguish colors and understand what is being seen because of changes in his or her vision.

• Diffuse glare and bright light by removing mirrors and glass tops. Block bright sunlight by covering windows with blinds, shades or sheer draperies.

• Create an even level of lighting by adding extra lighting in entries, outside landings, areas between rooms, stairways and bathrooms. Changes in levels of light can be disorienting to a person with dementia.

• Use contrasting colored rugs in front of doors or steps to help the individual anticipate staircases and room entrances. Avoid using a dark-colored rug because it may appear to be a "hole."

• Use night lights in hallways, bedrooms and bathrooms to prevent accidents and reduce disorientation.

Avoid injury during daily activities

Most accidents in the home occur during daily activities such as eating, bathing and using the bathroom. Take special precautions at these times.

• Watch the temperature of water and food because the person may not know the difference between hot and cold.

• Install walk-in showers and grab bars in the shower or tub and at the edge of the vanity to allow the person to move around independently and safely.

• Add textured stickers to slippery surfaces. Apply adhesives to keep throw rugs and carpeting in place – or remove rugs completely.

• Supervise the person while taking medications. Use a locked pill dispenser that works on a self-timer if the person can understand its use. Install locks to limit access to cabinets containing prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

Beware of dangerous objects and substances

Even the most basic appliance or household object can become dangerous for the person with dementia.

• Remove electrical appliances from the bathroom, such as electric razors or hair dryers, to reduce the risk of electrical shock.

• Put away dangerous appliances and utensils like mixers and knives.

• Remove the knobs from stove burners. Install a hidden gas valve or circuit breaker so the person cannot turn on the stove.

• Put away grills, lawn mowers, power tools and guns. The person may not recall how to safely use these items.

• Supervise smoking and the use of alcohol.

• Clean out the refrigerator regularly, throwing out any old food. The person with dementia may be unable to tell the difference between fresh and rotten food.

• Keep walking areas clear by removing magazine racks, coffee tables and floor lamps.

Creating a supportive home

Make sure your home supports the person’s changing needs, which is just as important as safety.

• Enroll the person in MedicAlert® + Alzheimer's Association Safe Return®, our 24-hour nationwide emergency response service for individuals with Alzheimer’s or related dementia that wander or who have a medical emergency.  

• Encourage independent movement by moving furniture or other obstructions to create more space for wheelchairs or walkers.

• Help the person reminisce. In key locations, place scrapbooks, photo albums or old magazines and encourage conversation about them.

• Play music to prompt dancing, clapping or other kinds of exercise. Keep noise level low – loud, distracting sounds could overwhelm the person.

• Enjoy supervised outdoor activities like gardening or walking.

• Keep a list of emergency phone numbers and addresses for Safe Return, local police and fire departments, hospitals and poison control help lines.

• Check fire extinguishers and smoke alarms.

If you have questions about home safety, call us at 1.800.272.3900.