If your loved one is potentially moving into a senior living community or needs senior care services, you might have concerns about their safety. Particularly for those with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other memory issues, safety and security can be a priority. There are a few ways that you can help to ensure their safety, whether in a new community or if they are living at home.
Learn more about dementia safety tips for your loved one and reach out to a senior living community like Summer’s Landing near you today.
Safety Risks for Loved Ones with Dementia
What risks does your loved one with dementia face? Whether at home or in a senior living community, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease pose several challenges to the safety of seniors.
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia affect every individual differently. However, most individuals who struggle with one of these conditions have issues with mobility, coordination, balance, and memory loss. Those with dementia might struggle with maintaining their balance while going down stairs, eating meals, and bathing.
Memory loss can pose a different set of potential problems. Seniors with dementia might forget things like where they have placed their keys or why they have gone to a specific location. In later stages, dementia can cause seniors to participate in unsafe activities like driving or losing track of when they have taken their medication.
Five Dementia Safety Tips
To help your loved one stay safe there are a few things that you can do. Learn more about these dementia safety tips and find out how you can put them into place.
Identify Potential Safety Risks
If your loved one has previously turned on the stove and forgotten about it, or you’re worried about tools in the garage or basement that could pose a risk, consider finding ways to keep these things from being a potential problem. For example, you can do the following:
- Install auto shut-off appliances
- Put locks on doors to certain rooms
- Put locks on certain cabinets where tools are kept
- Remove knobs to the stove
ID Cards
Another way to help your loved one with dementia stay safe is by being prepared in case of an emergency. If they are prone to wandering away, put a card in their wallet or pocket that contains their information and emergency contact info. It can also be helpful for you to have contact information for the police, fire department, or local hospitals on hand in case of emergency.
Medication Management
In order to keep your loved one from taking extra doses of their medication or missing a dose, utilize a locked drawer cabinet as well as a checklist to help with medication management. You can also reach out to an assisted living center for medication assistance services.
Bathroom Safety
To help your loved one avoid a fall in the shower, install a grab bar and a textured mat in the tub. Carpet in other rooms of the home can also help seniors maintain balance.
Contact a Senior Living Center
Finally, if you are considering having your loved one make the transition to a senior living center for help with senior living services, ask what safety and security precautions are in place for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Many senior living communities have emergency call buttons, 24/7 staff on hand, and other security precautions.
Contact Summer’s Landing Today
Before your loved one with dementia experiences an emergency at home, consider a senior living community. These dementia safety tips can help your loved one avoid a dangerous accident. However, if you feel that they would benefit from 24/7 support from team members and a safer, more secure environment designed specifically for seniors, Summer’s Landing can help. Our beautiful campus in sunny Florida was created to help seniors feel comfortable and supported. Contact our team at 850.265.9829 to schedule a tour and to learn more.
