Alzheimer’s disease: how to make your home safer?

If you care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, it will be helpful to know what some of the associated physical and mental symptoms can cause. security problemssometimes serious.

Having this awareness allows you to help prolong independence and quality of life of people with dementia. At the same time, their environment becomes as safe and comfortable as possible.

Discover, in this article, the best ways to adapt your home to a person suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Main risks associated with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia

It is estimated that, in Portugal, there are at least some 200 thousand people suffering from some type of dementia. More than half – 50 to 75% – suffer from Alzheimer’sthe most common form, affecting memory, thinking, and other mental abilities.

A person with limited ability may have difficulty remembering someone’s name, including their own. You may also be exposed to certain dangers at homefor example, if you start heating something in the kitchen and then forget about it.

On the other hand, late-stage dementia can have a high physical impact, causing muscle weakness and reducing the ability to walkor get up from a chair or bed. This means that a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia is likely to need help with daily activitiessuch as washing, dressing and preparing meals.

When the symptoms involve the risk of fallingthere is a series of recommended precautions. These can make moving easier and reduce the potential risk of falling.

👉 Read also: 10 ways to support a loved one during a serious illness

Home safety tips for caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia

There are some home safety tips which can be invaluable when caring for a person with Alzheimer’s. Remember that these changes can be simple and are not necessarily expensive or cumbersome. Plus, small changes can make a big difference.

What changes should I make at home to accommodate a person with Alzheimer’s?

First of all there are a series of general precautions that you can take into account:

• Opt for floors and walls in matte shadesinstead of shiny. This is if you are thinking of redecorating your home, of course. The reason is simple: shiny surfaces can feel wet or slippery;
  
• Choose simple colorsrather than standards, which can create confusion;
  
• Try using the same type of flooringas a change in color or material may seem like an obstacle or a step.

How much attention can I pay to the bathroom?

In this division, we suggest that:

• Eliminate small gapsthat is, carpets, which can even make you slip;
• Keep the floor very clean and dry;
• Check to see if your sink has a drainin case you forget to turn off the tap;
• Install the handles in strategic positions.

How can I adapt the lighting in my house?

A well-lit environment does not create confusion in visual perception and reduces the risk of falls. We therefore leave the following suggestions:

• Let him in natural light during the day;
• Install high power lamps in the main lamps;
• Use low intensity lightsnight lights in sockets or automatic light sensors in corridors and landings.

These precautions do night orientation safer.

If you have someone close to you or a family member who is showing signs of dementia, be sure to take them to the doctor as soon as possible. With the Health insurance by Generali Tranquilidade has access to consultations with specialists in private hospitals, namely neurologists and psychiatrists. You will be able to freely choose your doctor, hospital or clinic, even if out of network, and you will receive a refund online expenses, within 72 working hours.

Trying to diagnose dementia quickly can make a difference to patient autonomy and safety.