Staying in their homes for as long as possible gives seniors with dementia familiar places that ease many worries. Being able to continue living at home allows seniors to enjoy the stimulation a familiar environment provides for recalling memories. Seniors with dementia are also at lower risk for wandering off or getting hurt when they’re comfortable in their living environment. While your aging loved one with dementia can live for many years at home, you’ll need to make some changes to keep him or her safe.
Make General Safety Modifications
All seniors eventually need to increase the safety of their homes to minimize common issues such as fall risks. Start by doing a home inventory to see where you can make simple changes. Adding grab bars to the bathroom, increasing the lighting throughout each room, and installing automatic shutoffs for appliances can all reduce the risk of having an accident.
Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can enjoy a higher quality of life when they join the supportive community at Companioa by IOA’s day care center for dementia, where individuals with dementia can thrive. With support from our specially trained and certified dementia care staff, seniors with dementia can discover joy, companionship, and a revived sense of connection. Our dedicated staff provides mental and social stimulation, daily group exercises, opportunities for artistic expression, fresh homemade meals, and personalized assistance in a modern, safe environment.
Highlight Steps & Create Clear Walkways
Seniors with dementia sometimes have challenges with their visual processing and spatial perception abilities. For instance, they might not recognize that steps exist in their paths. You can use colored tape to make stairs easier to see, or you might opt to put a sign up with a picture your loved one will recognize. Make sure to do these things on both indoor and outdoor walkways to prevent slip-and-fall injuries.
Remove Hazardous Chemicals & Equipment
As dementia progresses, your loved one might not realize that a cleaning chemical isn’t meant for human consumption. Or your loved one might be at risk for getting burned when attempting to use a curling iron. While your loved one might be able to use items with supervision, it may be necessary to move certain items out of sight or put them in a locked cabinet for times when your loved one isn’t near someone who can assist with activities.
Even when families have the best intentions, caring for a senior loved one with dementia can be challenging. Fortunately, Companioa by IOA is here to help. Our social day program for dementia offers a modern, safe, and supportive environment while providing much-needed respite for family caregivers. We go beyond cognitive and physical care, fostering belonging and purpose that allows seniors with dementia to truly flourish with dignity and respect.
Install Locks & Fences to Prevent Wandering
Wandering is one of the biggest concerns about people with dementia who might not be safe leaving their homes alone. Adding a fence around your backyard can make it easier to enjoy spending time outdoors with your loved one without the fear he or she will walk away. If your loved one is a wandering risk, you may also need to put locks on exterior doors and set alarms to let you know if he or she attempts to go outside.
Provide Increasing Levels of Assistive Care as Needed
Few things can replace the security that having a caregiver around can provide. Hiring an in-home caregiver gives you peace of mind that your loved one is safe during times when you can’t be by his or her side. At first, your loved one may only need someone to help with tasks that require doing things such as remembering to turn off the stove. But your loved one may eventually need overnight care. Making sure to adjust your loved one’s level of care as the condition progresses helps you stay ahead of potential issues that could jeopardize his or her safety.
As a caregiver for a family member living with dementia, you bear a significant responsibility. Caring for someone with dementia is both physically and emotionally demanding, and neglecting your own wellbeing may lead to burnout and increased stress. Fortunately, you don’t have to shoulder this burden alone. At Companioa by IOA, our dementia day program is here to support you. We understand the challenges of this journey and want to provide family caregivers like yourself with the opportunity to recharge and uplift their spirits. Companioa by IOA will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call one of our friendly Connect Specialists today at (415) 750-4111 to learn more about our customized care plans.