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How to Provide a Safe Home Environment for Seniors with Memory Loss

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Memory loss caused by a cognitive disease like Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia is neither immediate nor quick. These impairments are progressive, and so for a good, long while, the person with dementia may be living in a private home being cared for by a family member or hired caregiver.

“On average, someone with dementia lives for about 10 years or more following the diagnosis,” says Barbara Harrison, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Westwood, a memory care assisted living community in Westwood, MA. “He or she may start out with very mild symptoms and be able to live independently for some time, with progressive assistance from family members. But the disease will reach a point where it is simply unsafe for a person with memory loss to live without 24/7 supervision.”

Many families are determined to care for their loved ones themselves for as long as possible. This can be for many reasons, says Barbara, “But many family members may feel guilty about moving Mom or Dad to a community. Back in the day, going to a ‘nursing home’ was something to be avoided at all costs. Although today’s communities are a far cry from those institutional communities, older adults may still have misgivings and feel like they’re letting their loved ones down.”

While moving to a memory care community is often necessary in the later stages of dementia, Barbara says that there have been many advances in safety and technology that allow caregivers to provide a safe home environment for senior loved ones with memory loss.

“The most important thing for any caregiver is to ensure their loved one is happy, comfortable and safe,” she says. “With preparation, thought and flexibility, there are steps you can take to make sure your home environment is dementia-friendly.”

 

Tips for Home Safety

There are three main tenants for making a dementia-friendly home: safety, security and self-reliance. Any modifications you can make to your home should be to either make your home safer for your loved one to move around in, more secure to reduce wandering or provide options to help your loved one be as independent and self-reliant as possible.

 

1. Get rid of clutter.
When we live in a house for a long time, we accumulate a lot of stuff. We may not see it after a while, but when your loved one has dementia, they can become unable to “filter” out the extra noise and clutter, making it difficult for them to navigate or perform tasks. Clutter can also be a safety risk, too, because dementia affects motor functions and can make it difficult to avoid stumbles or trips. Clearing away the extras – decorative items on a table or unneeded tools in the kitchen – helps your loved one navigate more easily and also helps them focus on items they need.

2. Decorate with contrast.
Dementia affects depth perception and the ability to differentiate between items that are similarly colored. Memory care experts suggest decorating rooms with contrasting colors in order to help the senior more easily see useful objects. For example, you might wish to purchase a contrasting toilet seat to avoid any bathroom mishaps. Avoid anything with too many patterns, such as rugs or dinnerware, because this can cause confusion and agitation.

3. Use labels and reminders.
Visual cues and reminders can be a huge help to someone with memory loss. In the early to mid-stages of the disease, these reminders can help them live more independently. In the later stages, it can help them continue to perform autonomous tasks. Place signs or labels where they are easy to see, such as PLATES or GLASSES in the kitchen, or even using photos to help them navigate. Having wayfinding will help your loved one be more confident with navigating their house.

4. Make sure hazardous items are secured.
Chemicals, knives and even utilities can cause safety issues for someone with memory loss. He or she may start making something to eat but wander away and leave the oven on, potentially causing a fire. Do a scan of your house and make sure that any items that could be harmful are secured somewhere. At the same time, make sure that items that are often used are easy to see and access.

5. Invest in security.
Wandering is frequently an issue with people who have memory loss. There are many products on the market now that can help alert caregivers if their loved one is wandering or has left the premises. There are also security systems that have door or motion sensors that will go off if a no-go zone is breached. However, it’s essential that you do not “lock in” your senior – this can be life threatening in the event of an emergency.

“Being a caregiver to a loved one with memory loss is a big job, but it’s a very meaningful and important job,” says Barbara. “Bridges by EPOCH at Westwood is always here for family members and caregivers, even if their loved one isn’t a resident of our community. We can provide resources, give advice or help you find ways to make your home safer and more accessible for your loved one. Our goal is just like yours: making sure your loved one with memory loss enjoys a safe, comfortable, positive and fulfilling lifestyle throughout their dementia journey.”

 

Exceptional Care & Fulfilling Lifestyle

Bridges® by EPOCH at Westwood provides memory care assisted living that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, our community offers a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized and ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – enriching the lives of our residents every day.

 

Inspiring Programs for All Stages

No matter what level of care or service is needed, residents and families can rest assured that our care and life enrichment programs address the various stages of memory decline, allowing residents the opportunity to age in place.

 

Dedicated Memory Care

At Bridges® by EPOCH at Westwood, our services are designed to recognize and adapt to the unique challenges and individuality of each resident, while ensuring comfort and safety. We believe in a full-service approach to care and provide a high level of personalized attention for residents in various stages of memory loss.

 

Contact us today to learn more.

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