Home and Safety

Safety is a very broad area. Safety includes things like taking medication in the right doses at the right times and knowing when you can no longer travel alone.

You should be aware of the following things:

• Consider changing the gas stove to an electric stove.
• Electric stoves can also be dangerous.
• Other electrical apparatuses such as irons, curling irons, coffee machines, toasters.
• Are there light bulbs in the lamps?
• Live candles.
• Smoking.
• Old food.
• Cleaning solutions.
• Loose rugs and cords on the floor.
• Medication, throw all of the medication out (consult the pharmacy) that is not being used.
• Can they find their way around town?
• Can they let themselves in the house?
• Are they safe in traffic?
• Are aids needed? An ACAT assessment is important.
• Will they be able to call for appropriate help if dangerous situations arise?

Forgetting their keys when they leave the house is a big problem for some people with dementia. The women often take a handbag with them; a key can be attached to it with a long string. For men, the key can be attached to the coat pocket with a long string or hung around their neck on a key chain.

As a relative you can be justified in worrying about whether they can find their way home. If you give it some thought you can come up with a suitable solution e.g. having a necklace or bracelet made with the name, address and telephone number of the closest relative. The jewellery can also be designed so that it cannot be easily removed. Alternatively, devise a ‘business card’ for their wallet with these details on the card.