Alzheimer’s disease makes it more important than ever for families to prioritize safety for seniors at home. One of the biggest safety hazards for aging adults with Alzheimer’s is tripping hazards. Working with the in-home memory care providers at Home Care Partners helps families address and stay on top of keeping their seniors as safe as possible on a daily basis.
Make Sure Rooms and Pathways Are Clear
Keeping rooms and pathways as clear and clutter-free as possible is a necessary step in preventing tripping. It might even be necessary to rearrange furniture, remove purely decorative items, and put some things into storage. This all helps to make rooms and pathways much easier, and safer, to navigate.
Check Rugs, Carpets, and Flooring
Loose rugs and carpets can also present a tripping hazard, especially for seniors who have a more shuffling gait. Home care providers can help spot areas where flooring or rugs are potentially unsafe. Addressing these issues is a vital part of helping seniors to remain safely mobile in their own homes.
Consider Grab Bars and Handrails
Grab bars and handrails are a seemingly simple solution that really can make a huge difference in senior safety. Good places for these safety devices include:
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Tubs
- Hallways
- Staircases
- Ramps
If there is a blank patch of wall, it might be a good spot for a handrail. Noticing if seniors tend to lean on furniture in certain spots can also be an indication that a grab bar is a good idea in that location.
Boost Lighting
Poor lighting can be a tripping hazard, especially for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease. Sometimes they’re not able to recognize where shadows are and when there might be an actual obstacle. Improving lighting as much as possible can make it easier for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease to differentiate what might be a tripping hazard.
Get Cords Under Control
Exposed wires and electrical cords may not be a problem for many people. But for seniors, and particularly seniors with Alzheimer’s disease, those cords may be more difficult to avoid. It’s vital to organize and secure those cords, keeping them away from high-traffic areas.
Encourage Proper Footwear
The right footwear can do a lot to help seniors with Alzheimer’s disease to avoid tripping. Non-slip soles offer both traction and stability that seniors need. Properly fitted shoes help seniors to walk safely and reduce the likelihood of slipping, tripping, and falling.
Encourage Assistive Devices
If they need assistive devices, seniors should use them. Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease might be particularly reluctant to use them, however. In-home memory care providers can remind aging adults to use these essential tools and can make it easier to access them when needed.
Offer Supervision
Regular monitoring and supervision can be especially important as Alzheimer’s disease progresses. Elder care providers can stay alert for clutter building up and other hazards that could lead to an accident. Caregivers can also keep family members apprised of changes their seniors are experiencing.
Creating a safe and supportive environment can help Alzheimer’s patients to stay at home for as long as possible. Memory care services understand the challenges that seniors with Alzheimer’s face, and they can put solutions in place to help them stay safe.
If you or an aging loved one are considering memory care at home in Lincoln, NE, please contact the caring staff at Home Care Partners today at (402) 780-1211.
Home Care Partners is a top provider of senior home care services in Lincoln, NE and Lancaster County.
Our Caregiving team provides personal one-on-one attention for your loved one. When you are ready to begin your care journey, we are the experts that will answer your questions and help you implement a plan.
Home Care Partners is locally owned and committed to providing Thoughtful, Quality, and Dedicated Care.
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