Your loved one’s needs will change as the disease advances. By closely coordinating care with their physician, you can take care of your loved one’s physical and mental needs. It is also equally important that their caregiver is constant and remains there for them for a long period of time, as it will help build trust between them. It can be convenient if there is a strong team of home health care agencies behind you that offer dementia care services.
Undoubtedly, many home health care Houston agencies offer reputable services in this department and have excellent recommendations history from dementia patients all over the states. Even if you prefer to take care of your loved ones at home, make sure you danger-proof your home and turn it into a safer place for them. Educate yourself with a few tips that can go a long way in increasing the quality of your loved one’s life.
Danger-proof Your Home
Transitioning from mild to moderate dementia may require some adjustments to a person’s home to help reduce the risk of falls. By being resourceful and patient, you can provide your beloved with everything they need to feel comfortable and safe at home.
The following things should be taken into account:
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Analyze the situation.
Home safety problems are more likely to occur in some areas than others. Examine the garage, the workshop, the basement, and the yard closely. Toolkits, supplies, chemical products, etc. should be safely stored and kept away to prevent any harm.
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Avert potential disasters in the kitchen.
When your loved one has dementia, you might want to take care that they cannot run the stove when you are away. It is also possible to remove the knobs or to install a concealed gas valve. Installing automatic-shutoff appliances is also an option to keep things safe. Check the counters and tables of the kitchen for items like decorative fruits and seasoning bottles and remove these items as an added precaution.
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Know your emergency contacts.
Keep the contact information for emergency services on hand.
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Keep an eye out for emergencies.
To ensure your smoke detectors, CO detectors, and fire extinguishers are functioning properly, test them on a regular basis.
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Resolve Bathroom Issues
Showers and bathing tubs can provide convenience in daily activities for your loved ones. You can place grab bars next to the toilet, beside the vanity, and within the shower and tub for more ease. To increase the safety of slick surfaces, use safety stickers.
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Lighting in the rooms and along the pathways.
Make sure your loved one always knows their way in and out if the house and confusion can often make them lose their way. Make sure the hallways, entryways, staircases, floors, bathrooms and doorways are well lit. Using strategically-placed nightlights can prevent accidents before they happen.
Additional thoughts.
There are some people living with dementia who require a toilet in their bedroom for convenience, so an additional precaution you can do is add area rugs. It is also recommended to add latches and locks on doors that may lead to exits and basements.
