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Home Safety 

Home safety takes many forms. The home environment involves the needs, feelings and life styles of the occupants of all members of the family. People who are hurried or stressed increase their chances for tension to mount and for accidents to occur. Checking safety in the home begins with a checklist and an increasing attention to prevention. You can alert yourself to potential hazards. You can initiate small changes, purchase products to make changes yourself or call in a professional to modify items that can improve your safety. A safe home is less stressful for everyone.

If it is necessary to modify a home where a person with memory loss lives be sure outside doors can be secured and additional safety precautions are taken. We recommend that you get an I-D bracelet for a person with memory loss.

Our checklist focuses on the physical environment and specific safety issues:

Outside
  • All outside doors and windows need secure locks.
  • Hide spare key outside.
  • Outside stairs should be sturdy and textured.
  • Use bright or reflective tape to mark the edge of the stairs.
  • Make sure stair handrails are secure.
  • Consider building a ramp with handrail into the home.
  • Make sure outside lighting is adequate. Light sensors that turn on automatically as you approach are available.
  • Keep bushes and foliage pruned away from walkways and doorways.
  • Eliminate uneven surfaces or walkways, hoses and other objects which may cause a person to trip.
Inside
  • A small bench or table by the entry door can be useful for placing parcels when unlocking the door.
  • Have emergency numbers and home address displayed near all phones.
  • All rooms need adequate lighting. Use night lights generously.
  • Stairways should be well-lighted and have at least one handrail which extends beyond the top and bottom of the stairs.
  • Use bright or reflective tape to mark the edge of the stairs.
  • Keep all walk areas free of clutter.
  • Remove scatter rugs and throw rugs.
  • To reduce clutter dispose of newspapers and magazines regularly.
  • Place large decals at eye level on sliding glass doors, picture windows or furniture with glass panels to identify the glass surfaces.
  • Consider replacing door knobs with door handles.
  • Replace space heaters.
  • Install smoke and carbon dioxide alarms near all bedrooms; check functioning and batteries frequently.
  • Avoid use of extension cords if possible.
  • Keep all medications in original containers and in a safe location.
  • Be aware of the hot water temperature.
  • Single faucets which mix water temperatures can help avoid burns.
  • In tub or shower, use non-slip adhesive strips, decals or mats.
  • Install a contrasting color grab-bar in tub or shower.
  • Consider placing grab bars at the side of the toilet.
  • A toilet seat in a contrasting color is easier to see.
  • A hand held shower makes bathing easier.

For further information about any information listed here, please call the Alzheimer Society, 1-800-493-3959.