Safety Products for Alzheimer’s Patients

Assisted Living Made Simple holds (3) three Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Groups a month and are often asked what are some good products to keep our loved ones engaged and safe?

We’ll start with some items to keep them engaged.

Products to keep them engaged

Fidget quilts – these are lap throws that have things to keep them busy like zippers, buttons, belts and ties. However, if you see they start to get frustrated or it becomes too difficult for them, take it away from them gently.

Larger size puzzles – wooden puzzles designed to make it easier for the person to complete it and have a sense of accomplishment.

Therapy pets – these pets are designed to have a calming and soothing effect on Alzheimer’s patients. They are so life-like and give the person a sense of purpose again as they must care for the pet.

Twiddle muff – almost like a fidget quilt on the outside, it too has buttons, ribbons and beads, but on the inside in a squishy ball for them to squeeze to keep their hands busy.

Safety products:

Senior Cell Phone w/ Picture Dialing + GPS – they won’t have to remember phone numbers, only look at the picture and push the one they want to call. These cell phones come with a GPS tracking system so you will know where your loved one is at all times.

Wander alert alarm – if your loved one lives with you and not in a memory care facility yet and they tend to wander, you must have an alarm on the doors. The alarm alerts you when a door is being opened and most of them do not require the internet.

Door confounding lock – this is a special Alzheimer’s door lock that does not look like a lock. It opens by sliding the inner tab to unlock; caregivers will be able to open the lock, but those with Alzheimer’s will not be able to figure it out.

Mats with wireless remote sensors – you can place these mats in chairs and/or beds and if the person tries to rise without help it will alert you. This is an easy way to prevent falls.

Do not enter signs – these signs can be placed on doors leading outside or where combustible materials could be stored to deter loved ones from opening the door.

Safety in the Home

• • Have emergency numbers and home address clearly visible by the telephone
  • Avoid using extension cords; they are a huge trip hazard
  • Cover unused electrical outlets
  • Turn the phone ringer on low when not home and use an answering machine to ensure you receive your messages and the Alzheimer’s person doesn’t fall prey to scammers
  • Make sure you have smoke detectors installed in the kitchen and bedroom areas
  • Avoid clutter and keep walkways free of furniture
  • Clearly mark all medications with the person’s name, drug name and strength, dosage and expiration date. Locking them up will ensure no accidents can happen.
  • Keep steps outside sturdy and place textured strips on them to prevent slips in icy or wet weather
  • If you have a swimming pool, consider fencing it in with a locking gate
  • Remove propane tanks and lighters from grills
  • Set a small bench by the front door to place items on while unlocking the door
  • Install motion sensor lights outside to light the path while the person walks
  • Make sure bushes are well away from walkways
  • Place a no soliciting sign at the front door

There are many things you can do around the house to keep your loved one suffering with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia safe. It’s as simple as purchasing products or making simple adjustments to rooms around your home.

Should you find that Alzheimer’s or dementia has declined so far and you just can’t take care of your loved one anymore, please reach out to us ; this is what we do and we would be honored to assist you!

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