Safeguarding a Senior's Home 

Most families want to keep their loved one with dementia or Alzheimer's Disease at home for as long as possible so the person can be in familiar surroundings. Therefore, it is important to create a safe environment while they can still remain at home.

     The following are suggestions for safe proofing the home. There are no fixed rules. There will be unique behaviors or characteristics that require continual reassessment as the disease progresses.

START WITH A PLAN 

Survey the home thoroughly prior to making changes. Look for areas and items that could be hazardous to your loved one. The following suggestions can assist you with beginning your plan.

1. Reduce clutter. Open spaces make both access and decision making easier, while decreasing the potential for over-stimulation.  Leave only a few special mementos.
2. Create walking paths. Paths should be as straight and direct as possible. ALL THROW RUGS MUST BE REMOVED.
3. Utilize labels. Labeling areas and items can provide visual cues to maintain the senior's independence within the household. For example, attaching pictures of silverware outside the utensil drawer or hanging a "BATHROOM" sign on the bathroom door. Use symbols and/or the language the person can relate to at their cognitive level.
4. Identify "Zones" in the home. Think of the house in terms of zones as you start to develop a plan.

Danger Zone. This is an area that should be off-limits to your loved one. These types of rooms should be secured and can be used to store breakables, tools, chemicals, or any other items deemed unsafe for seniors with dementia. Doors leading to these rooms should be kept locked and alarmed if possible. Examples Include:

• Garage (access to car, tools, chemicals, etc.)
• Basement / Attic
• Workshops
• Staircases
• Outdoors (pools, spas, unfenced areas)

If you cannot lock these areas, then removing dangerous items and/or disabling potentially dangerous applications and machinery is a must.

Safe Zone. These areas should remain available to the senior with Alzheimer's to wander, hide things, rummage and exhibit the behaviors that are common with the disease. This zone should be free from agitating or harmful situations. The following are helpful hints to creating safe areas:

1. Lighting. Enhance lighting to reduce shadows and dark areas in the home which may be misinterpreted or trigger confusion.
2. Bathrooms. Possible dangers include: slips and falls, burns, poisoning, cuts, electrocution, and drowning.
3. Windows & Doors. Most people with Alzheimer's dementia will wander. So, it is important to take precautions to ensure their maximum safety.

Preparing a home for a senior with Alzheimer's disease or any dementia related disorder is difficult. It is important to plan ahead rather than react to a crisis. We are here to help.

Gadget Corner

Our Gadget Corner features unique products designed for everyone, but also have extra benefits for the older population.   

Gator Grabber:

This handy device utilizes UV light & sonic waves for amazing cleaning results. Its dual action cleans and sanitizes dentures, bite plates, retainers, whitening trays, sports mouthguards and more. Learn more and watch a product demonstration at www.violight.com.  

Six Steps
to Lower
Cooling Bills

With hot summer weather just around the corner, now is the time to give your home a "check-up." Here are six tips from the Comfort Institute to make sure your air conditioning bills don't blow your cool!

1. Have your duct system tested for air leaks by an AC contractor and then seal them with a brushed on fiber-reinforced elastomeric sealant. 
2. Ask your AC contractor to perform an Infiltrometer "blower door" test to pinpoint where your home's worst air leaks are, such as duct leaks, and also measures how leaky the overall house is. 
3. Close your fireplace damper. Shut it now or waste precious cool air all summer long!
4. Replace your air conditioner or heat pump air filter. Most systems need this done every month to ensure safe and efficient operation.  
5. Have your air conditioner cleaned and tuned. It reduces the chances of breakdowns in the middle of summer and more than pays for itself through more energy efficient operation.
6. Consider replacing your old air conditioner or heat pump. Just like a car, central cooling equipment doesn't last forever.

For more information, visit www.energystar.gov and www.comfortinstitute.org.

Courtesy of ARA Content