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Tips for Creating a Safe Environment for Individuals Living with Dementia

Everyday life can present unique challenges for someone living with dementia, especially when it comes to maintaining safety. As dementia progresses, it can cause those living with the disease to experience changes in thinking and judgement, cognition, behavior, feelings and relationships. While dementia can affect each person differently, at some point in the progression of the disease, most people experience brain changes that lead to symptoms such as increased memory loss, confusion and disorientation, all of which can interfere with a person’s ability to take care of themselves. Individuals with dementia may feel a sudden loss of independence, even if they are still able to make sound decisions and judgements, which can affect confidence and sense of worth. The best environment for a person living with dementia is one that allows them to stay independent and feel supported in a safe environment. Fortunately, making small changes in the home can allow those with dementia to embrace their independence while maintaining their safety.  

Home Safety Tips

According to Harvard Health Publishing, dementia causes changes within the brain that can compromise a person’s ability to remain safe inside their home. For example, as the disease progresses, a person’s ability to make sound judgments can become comprised and cause them to forget how to use household appliances, putting them at risk of serious injury. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are a number of ways to alter your loved one’s environment to promote independence while also ensuring their safety.

Evaluate the environment

A person with dementia is more at risk of safety hazards within certain areas of the home as the disease progresses. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you work to keep your loved one safe in the home:

  • Places in the home, such as the garage, where there are tools, toxic chemicals, cleaning supplies, and sharp surfaces should be monitored or locked completely.
  • Installing safety measures such as childproof locks on cabinets, locks with codes or avoiding these items all together will help your loved one stay safe.
  • Clutter, loose rugs and carpet edges present fall hazards and should be removed from the home.
  • Install night-lights in the hallways and in bathrooms so the person with dementia can see where they are going in the nighttime.
  • Those with dementia may not be able to differentiate between temperatures, so installing thermostats to control the temperature of water that comes from water taps can help prevent burns. 
  • Always check smoke detector batteries every 6 months and make sure the alarm is loud enough for the person with dementia to hear. If the person with dementia also has hearing loss, look into other alternatives such as smoke detectors equipped with vibrations or flashing lights.
  • Secure large furniture that can tip over. Bookshelves, cabinets and large TVs are all prone to tipping. Securing them to the wall can help prevent serious injuries, especially if the individual with dementia relies on furniture to help steady their balance when walking throughout the home.

Avoid kitchen hazards

The kitchen is another place within the home that presents many safety concerns. As the disease progresses, those with dementia may forget how to operate common household appliances such as the stove or garbage disposals. As you make changes to the kitchen, keep these tips in mind:

  • Use appliances that have an automatic shut-off feature, such as an electric kettle.
  • If your loved no longer has the ability to operate a stove safely, you may consider purchasing a smart lock to help reduce the risk of a kitchen fire.
  • Toxic plants, decorative fruits, plastic bags and garbage bags should also be removed or stored in a place with a childproof lock. At some point throughout the disease, individuals may not be able to differentiate between décor and real food.
  • Vitamins, prescription medications, sugar substitutes and seasonings should also be stored out of sight in a place where they can be regularly monitored.
  • Knives and other cutlery should also be stored in place that is out of reach, especially if your loved one has violent tendencies or aggression.
  • Replacing long electrical cords on appliances with coiled or retractable cords can help prevent falls in the kitchen.

Enhance home security

If your loved one lives alone or spends time during the day alone, you may consider implementing some of these home security measures to ensure your loved one remains as safe as possible:

  • Those with dementia may be prone to wandering and becoming lost. Security cameras with alerts can be helpful if the person with dementia lives alone or spends time alone during the day. The alert will notify an emergency contact when it detects movement within the vicinity.
  • Installing alarms on windows and doors can also prevent those with dementia from wandering away from the home when they require supervision.
  • Visual cues can also be helpful reminders for those with dementia. Descriptive photos on the doors to each room in the home, such as the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room can be beneficial. Pictures of stop signs on doors where those with dementia shouldn’t open or areas of the home that are dangerous can also be helpful cues.
  • Keys to the home should be hidden outside in the event that an individual with dementia gets locked out. If the person with dementia has stopped driving, car keys should also be hidden. It could be helpful to place trackers, such as an AirTag on car keys to easily locate them in the event they are taken from their permanent keeping place. 

Medication Safety

After receiving a dementia diagnosis, an individual may need assistance with medication set-up and administering. These medication tips, as provided by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, can help your loved one stay independent and autonomous over their medical needs:

  • Use a pill box organizer to keep medications organized and help a person with dementia know when to take their medications and at what time. As the disease progresses, a person may need a pill dispenser with an automated alarm clock to alert them when it’s time for their medication.
  • Develop a routine so a person with dementia is more likely to remember to take their medications. Oftentimes, this is paired with a meal, in the morning or before bedtime. It’s important to seek consult with a doctor or pharmacist to ensure the medication is taken correctly (i.e. with food).
  • If swallowing becomes difficult, which may happen in the later stages of dementia, caregivers may opt to give their loved one liquid medicine which can be given at the discretion of a medical doctor or pharmacist. 
  • Write down all emergency numbers and post them in a place that’s easily accessible. Be sure to include poison control and local emergency rooms.

Dementia Safety Solutions at Maplewood Senior Living

At Maplewood Senior Living, we know how difficult navigating the nuances of dementia can be for friends and family members. Our communities offer living solutions for those with dementia as every stage of the disease. If you or your loved one is struggling to stay safe at home, we can help you. Our assisted living and memory care communities offer a wide range of services and activities that promote safety and independence for those living with dementia. To learn more about these offerings, please contact us.


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Westport, CT 06880


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