Issue Date: December 10, 2006
Better, safer
Simple adjustments can help Alzheimer's patients cope.
Alzheimer's is the leading cause of dementia in America. As our population's average age has increased over the past century, so has the number of people who suffer from this devastating disease. More and more families find themselves having to make difficult decisions about how best to care for their afflicted loved ones.
Alzheimer's disease is not curable, and, because the rate of functional decline varies widely from person to person, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. Generally speaking, interventions are designed to slow down the rate of deterioration and treat common problems (sleep disturbances, urinary incontinence, etc.) that occur with the illness.
A major issue for those who care for Alzheimer's patients is protecting them from the environment in which they live. Many think of Alzheimer's as a disease affecting primarily the memory, but in reality, it also affects other areas, such as personality and judgment. The cumulative effect makes day-to-day decision making difficult for these folks. As a result, the very homes they live in can become hazard zones.
Fortunately, just a few simple adjustments can improve safety for those who have Alzheimer's. With a little effort, these improvements also can make their environment more soothing.
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6 easy steps to create a more secure environment
Loved ones can help those with Alzheimer's by eliminating safety hazards.
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Keep the décor simple. The areas of the house where the patient spends a lot of time should be free of unnecessary furniture, rugs and anything else that may obstruct his walking path. Glass-top furniture is a no-no.
Make the bedroom user-friendly. Bedside tables should have rounded, not sharp, corners. Remove potential fire hazards, such as electric blankets and space heaters.
Pay particular attention to the bathroom. If possible, use a bathroom with good access and plenty of room for both patient and caregiver. Unlike other areas, accessories here are important. Handles by the toilet and bathtub, shower seats and non-slip mats are musts. As in other areas, potential fire/electrical hazards should be securely stowed (hair dryers, curling irons, etc.). And be sure to clear excess items from countertops.
Brighter is better. Soft lighting may seem appealing for many, but it's potentially dangerous for those with Alzheimer's. Areas need to be lighted adequately for those whose vision and balance may be diminished.
Be prepared. Have a good first-aid kit on hand for minor emergencies (check a local pharmacy) and emergency numbers readily available for anyone who may need access to them. Patients shouldn't be left alone with access to places like the kitchen, where they may inadvertently turn on the stove or oven. Utensil drawers and cabinets should be secured, and living areas should have functional smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Don't get radical with redecorating. Alzheimer's patients need familiar surroundings and routines. Don't give the house such a big makeover that it becomes unfamiliar. The goal is to make the environment safe, not foreign.
Tedd Mitchell, M.D., president and medical director of Dallas' Cooper Clinic, writes HealthSmart every week.
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