Alzheimer's Disease: Home Safety Information (cont.)
Impairment of the Senses
Alzheimer's disease can cause changes in the ability to interpret what a
person can see, hear, taste, feel, or smell, even though his or her sense organs
may still be intact. The person with Alzheimer's disease should be evaluated periodically by a
physician for any such changes that may be correctable with glasses, dentures,
hearing aids, or other treatments.
Vision
People with Alzheimer's disease may experience a number of changes in visual abilities. For
example, they may lose their ability to comprehend visual images. Although there
is nothing physically wrong with their eyes, people with Alzheimer's disease may no longer be
able to interpret accurately what they see due to changes in their brain. Also,
their sense of perception and depth may be altered. These changes can cause
safety concerns.
- Create color contrast between floors and walls to help the person see
depth. Floor coverings are less visually confusing if they are a solid
color.
- Use dishes and placemats in contrasting colors for easier
identification.
- Mark the edges of steps with brightly colored strips of tape to outline
changes in elevation.
- Place brightly colored signs or simple pictures on important rooms (the
bathroom, for example) for easier identification.
- Be aware that a small pet that blends in with the floor or lies in
walkways may be a hazard. The person with Alzheimer's disease may trip over a small pet.
Smell
A loss or decrease in smell often accompanies Alzheimer's disease.
- Install good quality smoke detectors and check them frequently. The
person with Alzheimer's disease may not smell smoke or may not associate it with danger.
- Keep refrigerators clear of spoiled foods.
Touch
People with Alzheimer's disease may experience loss of sensation or may no longer be able to
interpret feelings of heat, cold, or discomfort.
- Adjust water heaters to 120 F (48.8 C) to avoid scalding tap water. Most
hot water heaters are set at 150 F (65.5 C) , which can cause burns.
- Color code separate water faucet handles, with red for hot and blue for
cold.
- Place a sign on the oven, coffee maker, toaster, crock-pot, iron, or
other potentially hot appliances that says DO NOT TOUCH or STOP! VERY HOT.
The person with Alzheimer's disease should not use appliances without supervision. Unplug
appliances when not in use.
- Use a thermometer to tell you whether the water in the bathtub is too
hot or too cold.
- Remove furniture or other objects with sharp corners or pad them to
reduce potential for injury.
Taste
People with Alzheimer's disease may lose taste sensitivity. As their judgment declines, they
also may place dangerous or inappropriate things in their mouth.
- If possible, keep a spare set of dentures. If the person keeps removing
dentures, check for correct fit.
- Keep all condiments such as salt, sugar, or spices away from easy access
if you see the person with Alzheimer's disease using excess amounts. Too much salt, sugar, or
spice can be irritating to the stomach or cause other health problems.
- Remove or lock up medicine cabinet items such as toothpaste, perfume,
lotions, shampoos, rubbing alcohol, or soap, which may look and smell like
edible items to the person with Alzheimer's disease.
- Consider a childproof latch on the refrigerator, if necessary.
- Keep the poison control number by the telephone. Keep a bottle of
Ipecac
(vomit inducing) available, but use only with instructions from poison
control or 911.
- Keep pet litter boxes inaccessible to the person with Alzheimer's
disease. Do not store
pet food in the refrigerator.
- Learn the Heimlich maneuver or other techniques to use in case of
choking. Check with your local Red Cross chapter for more information and
instruction.
Hearing
People with Alzheimer's disease may have normal hearing, but they may lose their ability to
interpret what they hear accurately. This may result in confusion or
over-stimulation.
- Avoid excessive noise in the home such as having the stereo and the TV
on at the same time.
- Be sensitive to the amount of noise going on outside, and close windows
or doors, if necessary.
- Avoid large gatherings of people in the home if the person with
Alzheimer's disease shows
signs of agitation or distress in crowds.
- Check hearing aid batteries and functioning frequently.
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