Aging parents (9)
- Aging parents: During emergency, details count
- Caregiving: Tips for long-distance caregivers
- Caregiver depression: Prevention counts
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Alzheimer's caregiver (22)
- Alzheimer's: Making mealtimes easier
- Alzheimer's: Managing sleep problems
- Alzheimer's and memories: Use mementos as cues
- see all in Alzheimer's caregiver
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Alzheimer's care: Simple tips for daily tasks
Create a safe environment
Alzheimer's disease impairs judgment and problem-solving skills, increasing your loved one's risk of injury. To keep your loved one safe:
- Prevent falls. Avoid throw rugs, extension cords and any clutter that could cause your loved one to trip or fall. Install handrails or grab bars in critical areas.
- Use locks. Install locks on cabinets that contain anything potentially dangerous, such as medicine, alcohol, guns, toxic cleaning substances, dangerous utensils and tools.
- Check water temperature. Lower the thermostat on the hot-water heater to prevent burns.
- Keep matches and lighters out of reach. If your loved one smokes, make sure he or she does so only with supervision.
- Stock emergency supplies. Make sure a first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher are accessible, and the smoke alarms have fresh batteries.
Focus on individualized care
Each person who has Alzheimer's may experience its symptoms and progression differently. Consequently, caregiving techniques need to vary. Tailor these practical tips to your loved one's individual needs. Remember, your loved one's responses and behaviors may be different from what they used to be. Patience and flexibility — along with good self-care and the support of friends and family — can help you deal with the challenges and frustrations ahead.
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- Activities. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_activities.asp. Accessed Jan. 15, 2010.
- Bathing. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_bathing.asp. Accessed Jan. 15, 2010.
- Dressing and grooming. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_dressing_and_grooming.asp. Accessed Jan. 15, 2010.
- Home safety for people with Alzheimer's disease. National Institute on Aging. http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/homesafety.htm. Accessed Jan. 15, 2010.
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