Providing home care for a loved one who has dementia is a big decision. Once you have made it, you may wonder how to make the home as safe as possible for them. Besides contracting caregiver support, here are some steps to take to provide a safe space for your loved one.

How to Prepare Your Home for a Loved One with Dementia

1. Entrances and Exits

To make sure they can enter and exit the home safely only when they need to, ensure the door locks work properly and can be unlocked quickly in an emergency. Mark the stairs with tape so they’re easy for them to see, and keep the area well-lit or install a motion sensor for the porch and entryway lights. Keep the area clear for the door to open all the way and prevent tripping over shoes.

2. Bathrooms

There are many slipping hazards in the bathroom. Provide a shower chair and install grab bars to help them get in and out. Adhere nonskid mats on the floors. Get a foam faucet cover and reduce the water temperature to 120 or less to prevent scalding. Consider installing a single faucet knob so it’s easier to control the water temperature. Lock away unsafe chemicals or appliances, like hair dryers.

3. Kitchen

Lock up appliances and tools that could prove harmful. Put child locks on the stove and oven knobs and any cupboards or drawers with tools with blades. Disconnect the garbage disposal and securely store poisonous chemicals. Get rid of or store decorative fruit or anything else that looks like food but isn’t.

4. Bedroom

Set up a monitoring system so you know if they need help during the night. Be careful with heating devices like space heaters. Help them meet their needs, like getting water or going to the bathroom before they lie down to minimize the number of times they get up without assistance.

5. General

Keep the house well-lit with night lights to provide safe passage through the home. Keep the floors clear to avoid tripping. Mark glass panes and doors with a window marker or sticker so they know they are there. Store medications, chemicals, and dangerous appliances and tools in locked cabinets or containers. Cover slippery and uneven surfaces. Post emergency information so they can access important phone numbers and names when needed. Secure outside areas they can reach as well. Pools should be covered and locked. Consider getting help from a caregiver to keep them active and safe.

If you're caring for your loved one with dementia at home, reach out to Memory Care Home Solutions in Saint Louis, MO. They can provide you with education on how to care for them and a caregiver free of charge to help out. An in-home care provider can make sure they take their medications and receive mental and physical exercise. Visit their website to learn more about how they can help, and call them at (314) 645-6247 with any questions.