Imagine you are taking care of a loved one who sometimes forgets important things, like where they are or what they are doing. This can be scary and stressful, especially if they have Alzheimer’s Disease. Alzheimer’s is a condition that affects the brain, making it hard for people to remember things, think clearly, or even recognize their surroundings. This can make everyday activities dangerous if the home isn’t set up to keep them safe.

Creating a safe home environment is crucial. Simple changes like removing clutter, installing good lighting, and securing doors can help. Additionally, technology like GPS trackers can enhance safety by showing real-time locations if your loved one wanders off. Combining practical tips with modern technology can make your home much safer. 

• Creating a Safe Home Environment
• Kitchen Safety
• Bathroom Safety
• Bedroom Safety
• Living Room Safety
• Outdoor Safety
• Emergency Preparedness
• Using GPS Trackers
• Benefits and Tips for Using GPS Trackers

Why You Should Know the Safety Tips?

In the United States, about 16 million people care for a relative with dementia. They understand how difficult, emotional, and stressful caregiving can be. While there is no cure for dementia, especially Alzheimer’s disease, you can still make your loved one's life easier, more comfortable, and safer. Here are some tips to help ensure home safety for your relative with Alzheimer’s disease.

1. General Safety Tips for the Home Environment

Keeping your home safe for someone with Alzheimer’s is easier than you might think. Here are some simple tips:

• Remove Clutter and Keep Pathways Clear: Make sure hallways and rooms are free of clutter. Remove things that can be tripped over, like shoes, toys, or rugs. This helps prevent falls and makes it easier for everyone to move around.
• Ensure Good Lighting Throughout the Home: Good lighting can make a big difference. Make sure all areas of the house, especially hallways and staircases, are well-lit. Use night lights in bedrooms and bathrooms to help your loved one see better at night.
• Install Locks on Doors and Windows: Installing locks on doors and windows can prevent your loved one from wandering off. Use childproof locks or high-security locks that are hard to open. This helps keep them safe inside the house.

2. Kitchen Safety

Keeping the kitchen safe is very important when caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. Here are some easy tips:

• Store Sharp Objects and Dangerous Items Out of Reach: Put knives, scissors, and other sharp objects in high cabinets or locked drawers. Keep cleaning supplies and other dangerous items out of reach to prevent accidents.
• Throw Artificial Food items: Get rid of any fake food items, like fruit- or vegetable-shaped refrigerator magnets, that might look like real food. People with Alzheimer’s can get confused and think these items are real food.
• Use Appliances with Automatic Shut-Off Features: Use appliances like stoves and ovens that turn off automatically. This helps prevent fires and accidents if your loved one forgets to turn them off.
• Label Cabinets and Drawers: Labelling cabinets and drawers can help your loved one find things easily. Use simple, clear labels like "Plates," "Cups," or "Utensils." This can reduce confusion and make the kitchen more user-friendly.

3. Bathroom Safety

Making the bathroom safe is very important when caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. Here are some simple tips:

• Install Grab Bars and Non-Slip Mats: Put grab bars in the shower and near the toilet to help your loved one stay steady. Use non-slip mats in the shower and on the bathroom floor to prevent falls.
• Adjust the Water Heater Temperature: Set the water heater to a lower temperature to prevent burns. This ensures that the water won't get too hot and cause accidents.
• Go to the bathroom with them: When someone with Alzheimer’s goes to the bathroom, make sure another person is with them. It could be you or a family member. This is especially important if the person has severe physical difficulties.
• If they go to the bathroom alone: If the person with Alzheimer’s has to go to the bathroom alone, take some safety steps first. Remove the bathroom door lock so they don’t get accidentally locked inside. Put adhesive mats in the bathroom, especially in slippery spots like the bathtub and shower. This way, they won’t fall and get hurt without anyone knowing.
• Keep Medications Locked Away: Store all medications in a locked cabinet. This prevents your loved one from accidentally taking the wrong medicine or too much of it.

4. Bedroom Safety

Making the bedroom safe is important for someone with Alzheimer’s. Here are some easy tips:

• Use Night Lights: Put night lights in the bedroom to help your loved one see at night. This can prevent trips and falls.
• Ensure the Bed is at a Safe Height: Make sure the bed is not too high or too low. It should be easy to get in and out of to prevent falls.
• Careful about Electric Items: Be very careful with electric blankets, pads, and sheets. They can cause skin burns and might start fires. Use them only for a short time and keep them locked away when not in use.
• Keep Important Items Within Easy Reach: Place things your loved one needs, like glasses, food, a phone, or water, close to the bed. This makes it easier for them to find what they need without moving around too much.

5. Living Room Safety

Keeping the living room safe is important when caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. Here are some simple tips:

• Secure Rugs and Carpets to Avoid Tripping: Make sure rugs and carpets are flat and secure. Use non-slip pads or tape to keep them in place and prevent tripping.
• Use Furniture with Rounded Edges: Choose furniture with rounded edges to reduce the risk of injuries if someone bumps into them. Avoid sharp-cornered tables and shelves.
• Keep Remote Controls and Phone Chargers Accessible: Place remote controls and phone chargers where they can be easily reached. This makes it easier for your loved one to find and use these items without moving around too much.

6. Outdoor Safety

Keeping the outdoor area safe is important when caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. Here are some easy tips:

• Install Secure Fencing Around the Yard: Put up secure fencing to keep your loved one from wandering off. This helps ensure they stay within a safe area.
• Ensure Walkways are Even and Well-Lit: Make sure the walkways are smooth and without cracks to prevent tripping. Use good lighting along paths to help your loved one see clearly, especially at night.
• Lock Away Gardening Tools and Chemicals: Store gardening tools and chemicals in a locked shed or cabinet. This prevents accidents and keeps dangerous items out of reach.

7. Emergency Preparedness

Being ready for emergencies is very important when caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. Here are some simple tips:

• Keep a List of Emergency Contacts Visible: Write down important phone numbers, like family members, doctors, and emergency services. Put this list where everyone can see it, like on the fridge.
• Create an Emergency Plan and Practice It Regularly: Make a plan for what to do in case of fire, severe weather, or other emergencies. Practice the plan with your loved ones so they know what to do.
• Ensure Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors are Working: Check that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries and are working properly. This can help keep everyone safe from fire or dangerous gases.
• Using GPS Trackers: GPS trackers can help you know where your loved one is at all times. If they wander off, you can quickly find them. This can be a lifesaver in an emergency.

8. How GPS Trackers Can Help

What is a GPS Tracker and How Does it Work? A GPS tracker is a small device that uses satellites to find and share its location. It can show you where someone is in real time on your phone or computer.

• Real-Time Location Tracking to Prevent Wandering: GPS trackers like Tracki help you know exactly where your loved one is at any time. This is very useful if they wander off and get lost.
• Alerts if the Individual Leaves a Designated Safe Area: You can set up safe areas, like your home or yard. The GPS tracker will send you an alert if your loved one leaves this area, so you can act quickly.
• Peace of Mind for Families/Caregivers: Knowing you can locate your loved one quickly gives you peace of mind. You can feel more relaxed and confident about their safety.

• A caregiver in California was able to find their loved one within minutes after they wandered off during a walk.
• In another case, a GPS tracker helped police locate a missing person with Alzheimer’s in a large shopping mall.

• Choose a Tracker with Good Battery Life: Make sure the tracker has a long battery life, so it doesn’t run out of power quickly.
• Look for Trackers with Easy-to-Use Apps: Choose a tracker that comes with an app that is easy to use. This makes it simple to check the location and set up safe areas.
• Test the Tracker Regularly: Make sure to check the tracker regularly to ensure it’s working properly. Practice using it so you’re familiar with how it works in an emergency.

Conclusion

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease can be challenging, but creating a safe home environment can make a big difference. Simple changes like removing clutter, ensuring good lighting, and installing locks can prevent accidents. Keeping the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living room safe is crucial, and don’t forget to secure the outdoor area as well.

Emergency preparedness is essential. Keep emergency contacts visible, practice your emergency plan, and ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Using Tracki GPS tracker can enhance safety by providing real-time location tracking and alerts if your loved one leaves a safe area.