While every person with Alzheimer’s disease goes through the disease differently, it is more than likely that your loved one is going to walk, wander, or pace. Caregivers must allow this behavior by structuring their loved one’s environment to be as safe as possible. People with Alzheimer’s have perception difficulties; black sections of carpet may look like a “black hole” that should be stepped over, or a shiny tile floor may appear wet. Good lighting with minimal glare will reduce these kinds of misperceptions and reduce anxiety.

Minimize clutter around the home. Items like footstools, baskets on the floor, floor plants, or papers and magazines lying around will increase confusion and can be unsafe. Remove these obstacles.

There are many products that can help caregivers increase security for their loved one and decrease their own anxiety. Bells, alarms, and locks on the doors can aid caregivers in keeping track of the person with dementia. Baby monitors are also good for monitoring, especially during the night. If your loved one has trouble with falling out of bed, put their mattress on the floor and put an extra mattress on the floor beside them to help prevent injury.

Information on purchasing home safety devices can be found at www.alzstore.com, other home safety devices can be found at radio shack, and baby monitors can be found at most stores that carry baby products.

Tags: alzheimers, caregiving