Homecare: Does your elderly loved one have dementia?
If so, as their disease progresses, there are going to be some things you learn about that you may not have known. One thing that some family caregivers don’t know about is the dangers in the home of someone who has dementia. It is important to learn about these dangers so that you and your homecare providers can help to keep your elderly loved one safe.
Keeping Safe in the Kitchen
One place in the house where many people who have dementia get hurt is in their kitchen. The reason for this is that there are many harmful products in a person’s kitchen. There are sharp utensils including knives. The stove, microwave, and other appliances can pose a danger to someone with dementia because they are hot. Are you concerned about your elderly loved one with these things? Maybe, you aren’t now but will be when their disease progresses. It would be helpful to have yourself or a senior care provider with your loved one when they are in the kitchen using these products.
Falling Dangers
People who have dementia are at an increased risk of falling. They may fall in their bathroom on a wet floor or in the kitchen on a mat by the sink. These are just a couple of the places many people with dementia fall in their house. Your elderly loved one might not want to tell you when they do fall either. This is why it is so important to do all you can to help your elderly loved one prevent falls. You or a homecare provider should check throughout your elderly loved one’s house. Make sure there aren’t loose carpets or rugs, be sure the floors are dry and put grab bars wherever they are needed to help your elderly loved one stay stable on their feet.
Check the Water Temperature
Another danger that you may or may not have considered is the water temperature. In most houses, the water temperature can get pretty hot. The problem is that most people who have dementia, especially in the middle to end stages, don’t know how to tell if they are turning the water on too hot. This could cause them to get burnt. If this is the stage that your elderly loved one is in, you or a home care provider may want to turn the water on for your elderly loved one, so they don’t risk getting hurt.
Homecare: Conclusion
These are some things that you may want to know about dementia and the dangers in the home. Now that you have this information, you or your homecare provider can help your elderly loved one to prevent injuries.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering hiring Homecare in Arlington, MA, please contact the caring staff at Visiting Nurse & Community Care today. (781) 643-6090
Sources
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/home-safety-checklist-alzheimers-disease