Safety with Alzheimer's Patients or Any Elderly

As many of you know my Mom has Alzheimer’s.  I would like to address what we did for her “safety” as people with Alzheimer’s move around,  especially at night!

First off we put dead bolts on the doors which can only be unlocked with a key.  My Dad keeps the keys with him at all times.  This way she cannot unlock the doors and go outside.

Another thing we did was go and take out the steps in the house and made ramps, as she walks on a walker.  People with Alzheimer’s will forget a step is there.  Even on the car port (which now leads up to the back door) we made a concrete ramp where she comes out.  All inside ramps were carpeted with indoor/outdoor carpet as the wheels on the  walker can move smoothly over this.  (In fact all of their carpet is of low “pile.”  No shag or plush)

We tore the bathtub out and replaced it with a shower stall which she does not even have to lift her foot to get into.  I went and got her a stool where she sits down in the shower, and we placed a shelf  there for her shampoo, soaps, etc… that she can reach while sitting.  We also placed a bar within the shower, a long one, so if she begins to fall she can grab it.  We placed another bar lengthwise when she comes out of the shower for her to hold onto. 

I went and got yet another stool, so she can sit on  drying off.  That way she does not stoop nor bend to get to her feet.  So far she uses all stools and bars, without hesitation.

We made clear paths in the entire house which were taken up by coffee tables, decorations, etc…  This way there is nothing for her to fall over.  We went and made all door frames wider also, so her scooter can go through them smoothly and she can also turn it.

All medications are locked up, we have home health come in and put her medicine in her Sunday through Sunday medication tray.  This is also locked up.  We sit the alarm clock for the times she is to take her medication, and when she hears it she ”sometimes” connects.  This also helps us to remember as she takes about 20 pills a day.

When the sun starts going down, someone is always with mother.  Well someone is always with her anyways, but we pay careful attention to the “sun downers.”  Alzheimer’s patients seem to get disoriented when evening begins to approach.

I truly hope this helps anyone, who is dealing with this dreaded disease.

God Bless, SR