In this Article

• Introduction
• What is Alzheimer's Disease?
• What are the Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease?
• General Safety Concerns
• Is it Safe to Leave the Person with Alzheimer's Disease Alone?
• Home Safety Room-By-Room
• Throughout The Home
• Outside Approaches to the House
• Home Safety Behavior-By-Behavior
• Special Occasions/Gatherings/Holidays
• Impairment of the Senses
• Driving
• Warning Signs of Unsafe Driving
• Natural Disaster Safety
• Who Would Take Care of the Person with Alzheimer's disease if Something Happened to You?
• Conclusion
• For More Information
• Alzheimer's Disease: Home Safety Information Glossary
• Alzheimer's Disease: Home Safety Information Index

Who Would Take Care of the Person with Alzheimer's disease if Something Happened to You?

It is important to have a plan in case of your own illness, disability, or death.

• Consult a lawyer regarding a living trust, durable power of attorney for health care and finances, and other estate planning tools.
  
  
• Consult with family and close friends to decide who will take responsibility for the person with Alzheimer's disease. You also may want to seek information about your local public guardian's office, mental health conservator's office, adult protective services, or other case management services. These organizations may have programs to assist the person with Alzheimer's disease in your absence.
  
  
• Maintain a notebook for the responsible person who will be assuming caregiving. Such a notebook should contain the following information:
  
  
  • emergency numbers
    
    
  • current problem behaviors and possible solutions
    
    
  • ways to calm the person with Alzheimer's disease
    
    
  • assistance needed with toileting, feeding, or grooming
    
    
  • favorite activities or food

Preview board and care or long-term care facilities in your community and select a few as possibilities. If the person with Alzheimer's disease is no longer able to live at home, the responsible person will be better able to carry out your wishes for long-term care.

Conclusion

Home safety takes many forms. This article focuses on the physical environment and specific safety concerns. But the home environment also involves the needs, feelings, and lifestyles of the occupants, of you the caregiver, your family, and the person with Alzheimer's disease. Disability affects all family members, and it is crucial to maintain your emotional and physical welfare in addition to a safe environment.

We encourage you to make sure you have quiet time, time out, time to take part in something you enjoy. Protect your own emotional and physical health. Your local Alzheimer's Association chapter can help you with the support and information you may need as you address this very significant checkpoint in your home safety list. You are extremely valuable and as you take on a commitment to care for a person with Alzheimer's disease, please take on the equally important commitment to care for yourself.

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