Keeping a Loved One with Dementia Safe

Alzheimer’s disease results in symptoms causing impaired judgement, forgetfulness, and agitation, as well as problems with gait and balance increasing the risk for falls. This is why experts say it is important to take the proper steps to keep your spouse or mom or dad safe if they have Alzheimer’s. They explain the goal of caregivers should be a balancing act between providing an environment that offers as much independence as possible, while at the same time, ensuring the person’s safety and wellbeing.

Recommendations include removing knobs from the stove, and if the person can handle it, installing automatic shut-off valves with timer and motion sensors. At a certain stage of the disease, it is not safe for the person to be cooking, and if needed, investigate food delivery services. Additionally, lower the temperature of the water coming from your taps to avoid the person getting scalded from hot water. As confusion is part of Alzheimer’s, experts say store dangerous chemicals and cleaning supplies in a locked area.

To reduce the risk of falls, install grab bars in the bathroom and put non-skid mats in the tub or shower. Stairways should be well-lit and uncluttered as well as hallways and pathways from room to room. Doctors who work with Alzheimer’s patients caution it is important to remember it is a progressive disease, and there may be a time when more restrictive protocols are necessary such as closing off a staircase altogether.

Along with assisted living, Houston’s MorningStar community offers 27 memory care suites for residents suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The Reflections Neighborhood is designed with the needs of our special residents in mind and includes suites equipped with emergency call systems, and handicap-accessible bathrooms. Each resident receives an individualized care plan and participates in daily activities such as arts and crafts, listening or dancing to music, physical exercise, and special celebrations. In addition, we offer SafelyYou technology, which can detect and prevent falls for residents with (AI) Artificial Intelligence. Please visit our website to learn more about compassionate, loving memory care at MorningStar at River Oaks.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Houston offers.

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