Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease can present a variety of challenges … one of those challenges is ensuring that your home is a safe environment for your loved one. Fortunately, there are a number of steps you can take as a caregiver to improve the home life of your family member or friend as you both face the dangers that Alzheimer’s disease can present.

Most likely, a person with Alzheimer’s will walk a lot or spend a lot of time. Not all people with dementia experience this behavior, but many do. Caregivers must allow this behavior by structuring the environment to be as safe as possible. A person with Alzheimer’s disease is likely to have perception difficulties. Black trimmed carpet can look like a “black hole” to walk over. A shiny tile floor can appear damp. Good lighting without much glare will reduce misperceptions and therefore reduce anxiety. It is very important to eliminate clutter from the house. Items such as footrests, baskets on the floor, plants on the floor, thrown papers and magazines can add to the confusion. Remove these obstacles whenever possible.

There are many products that can help increase safety and decrease a caregiver’s anxiety level. Bells, alarms, and door locks can help keep track of the person with dementia. Baby monitors are also used for monitoring, especially at night. If your loved one has trouble falling out of bed, place the mattress on the floor or place an extra mattress next to their bed to help prevent injury.

Information for purchasing home security devices can be found at The Alzheimer’s Store. Other safety devices can be found at Radio Shack. Baby monitors can be found in most stores that sell baby products.