A Safer Home For Your Loved One

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) affects one’s memory and often their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL’s), and so they rely on family members or caregivers to promote a safer environment to live in.

In general, many older adults, and not just those with AD, are prone to falls as muscle strength and balance reactions begin to decline.

One way of preventing falls and subsequent injury is by making the home environment safer. As a physical therapist, I often assess the home first by looking at the floor. Throw rugs are a huge risk factor for a fall. If an individual uses an assistive device, such as a rolling walker, it may catch on the uneven edge of the rug. A solution is to tape the edges down, causing a smooth transition onto the rug, or simply to remove it all together.

Next, look at the chairs. Do they have armrests? Using a chair with an armrest assists one in standing, as well as having something to reach for upon sitting down. Most homes have coffee tables that are placed too closely in front of a couch or chairs. Thus, one has to turn and walk sideways in order to get through such small spaces. Add a walker into that picture, and you are almost asking for disaster.

One last idea for improving the safety of your home is to invest in a nightlight for every room and hallway. Many people with AD suffer from sun downing, or wandering off in the evening hours. They may not remember to turn lights on, so it is the caregiver’s responsibility to take precaution.

With a few simple interventions, the home can become much safer and falls can be easily prevented.