Safety and Alzheimer’s
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Safety & Alzheimer’s
Providing safety at home for the person with
Alzheimer’s
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Natalie McFarland, RN
BS Nursing 2002 Southern Illinois UniversityLTC Since 2002Sycamore Village 2005, Deficiency Free 6 yearsCertified through Alzheimer’s Association Best Friends Approach Trainer
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MISSION To be our community’s resource for
dementia care, research and education To provide comfort, care, love and
education to both our residents and their families living with dementia
To reach out beyond our walls and support healthcare providers, caregivers, family members and other in the greater community challenged by this degenerative disease through prevention, education, early detection and research initiatives
To return the love to those we are privileged to serve by fostering friendships and acknowledging their live stories
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What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Is a progressive and fatal brain disease Causes plaques and tangles in the brain that
destroys brain cells Is the most common form of dementia Has no cure
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What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease?
Memory problems and cognitive impairment Difficulties with thinking and reasoning Confusion and poor judgment Difficulty finding words, finishing thoughts, or
following directions Agitation, irritability, or passiveness Wandering from home, elopement Not being able to tell the difference between
day and night
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General Safety Principles
1. Think Prevention
2. Adapt the Environment
3. Minimize danger
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Is it Safe to Leave the Person with Alzheimer’s Disease alone?Does the person with Alzheimer’s: Become confused or unpredictable under stress? Recognize a dangerous situation, such as fire? Know how to use the telephone in an emergency? Know how to get help? Stay content within the home? Wander and become disoriented? Show signs of agitation, depression, or withdrawal when left
alone for any period of time? Attempt to pursue former interests or hobbies that might
now warrant supervision, such as cooking, appliance repair, or woodworking?
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Home Safety Room by Room
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Throughout the Home
Display emergency numbers and your home address near all telephones.
Use an answering machine when you cannot answer the phone.
Hide a spare key outside in case the PWA locks you out of the home.
Cover unused electrical outlets with childproof plugs. Stairways should have at least one handrail and carpeting is
the safest flooring or safety grip strips. Use gates if the PWA has balance problem
Turn ringers on low. Avoid the use of extension cords. Check all rooms for adequate lighting.
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Throughout the Home
Keep all medications locked. Keep all alcohol in a locked cabinet or out of reach of the
PWA. Remove all guns and other weapons from the home or lock
them up. Lock all power tools and machinery in the garage, workroom,
or basement. Remove all poisonous plants. Protect computer files with passwords
and back up the files. Keep hazardous chemicals out of reach.
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Entryway
Avoid clutter and throw out or recycle newspapers, etc.
Remove rugs.
Use textured strips or nonskid wax on hardwood and tile floors to prevent slipping.
Keep walkways free of furniture.
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Kitchen
Remove or secure the family “junk” drawer
Remove artificial fruits and vegetables or food magnets
Consider disconnecting the garbage disposal.
Store prescription and non-prescription medications in a locked cabinet
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Bedroom
Use a night light.
Be cautious when using electric blankets or heating
pads.
Anticipate reasons a PWA might get out of bed, such
as hunger, thirst, going
to the bathroom, or
pain.
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Bathroom
Use a night light. Do not leave a severely impaired PWA alone in the
bathroom. Remove the lock from the bathroom door. Place nonskid adhesive strips, decals, or mats in the tub and
shower and on floor. Use a raised toilet seat with handrails or grab bars. Install (contrasting) grab bars in the tub/shower. Use a plastic shower stool and a handheld shower head. Remove small electrical appliances from the bathroom. Set the water heater to 120 degrees.
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Living Room
Clear electrical cords from walkways.
Remove rugs. Do not leave the PWA
alone with an open fire in the fireplace.
Keep the remotes controls out of sight.
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Garage/Shed/Basement Lock access. Keep potentially dangerous items locked away in
cabinets or boxes. Secure and lock all motor vehicles. Cover ones that
are not frequently used. Keep all toxic materials out of view. Make sure area is well lit and walkway is safe.
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Home Safety Behavior by Behavior
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Wandering
PWA should wear nonskid shoes. Place locks high on exit doors.
Use doorknob covers. Use door alarms.
Disguise doors.
Place signs on doors.
Keep departure items out of sight.
Install safety device on windows.
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Wandering
Obtain a medical ID bracelet.
Place ID labels in garments.
Use a monitoring device.
Notify neighbors.
Keep a current photo on file with local police
department.
Do not leave a PWA who has a history of wandering
unattended!
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Rummaging/Hiding Things
Remove old/spoiled foods. Simplify the environment. Create a rummaging area. Close access to unused rooms. Keep all trash cans covered or
out of sight. Check trash cans before
emptying them in case something has been hidden there or accidentally thrown away.
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Fire Safety
Install smoke alarms near kitchen and all sleeping area. Check batteries and functioning frequently.
Do not keep flammable compounds accessible. If smoking is permitted, monitor the PWA while
he/she is smoking. Remove smoking reminders.
Install safety knobs on the stove.
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Agitation
Decrease noise levels.
Remove mirrors.
Keep furniture in the same place.
Avoid violent television programs.
Keep temperatures comfortable.
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Special Gatherings/Holidays
Consider a more intimate gathering.
Have family visit in small groups. Simply your holidays to avoid
stress. Avoid flammable, toxic, or
breakable decorations.
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Vision
Create a color contrast between floors and walls. Keep colors solid. Use dishes and placemats with contrasting colors. Mark edges of steps with
bright colored tape. Place pictures on doors to
identify rooms such as a toilet on the bathroom door.
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Taste Keep condiments hidden. Remove or lock up items such as toothpaste,
perfume, lotion, etc. that may smell like food.
Keep the poison control number by the telephone.
Keep a bottle of ipecac. Learn the Heimlich.
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Warning Signs of Unsafe Driving
Does the PWA: Get lost while driving to a
familiar location? Fail to obey traffic laws? Drive at inappropriate speeds? Become easily frustrated or
more confused while driving? Make slow or poor decisions?
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How to Stop your Loved One from Driving
Be supportive.
Give simple explanations.
Talk to the doctor.
Park the car at a friend’s house.
Hide the keys.
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Planning Back-Up Care
Consult a lawyer. Consult with family and
friends.
Maintain a notebook. Preview long-term care
facilities in your community.
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Care for the Caregiver
“Caregivers are at increased risk for depression and illness, especially if they do not receive adequate support from family, friends, and the community.”
~ National Institute on Aging
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As you take on the commitment to care for a person with Alzheimer’s, please take on the equally important
commitment to care for yourself.
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References
Department of Health & Human Services NIH Publication NO. 02-5179
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Contact Us
www.sycamorevillage.netwww.facebook.com/sycamorevillagewww.youtube.com/sycamorevillagewww.flickr.com/sycamorevillagewww.twitter.com/sycamorevillage
Phone: 618-222-2571Email: [email protected]