The longer that a senior has dementia, the more that safety becomes a serious concern. Dementia is a memory disorder that has the ability to drastically impact a person’s abilities, their cognitive functioning, and their skills.

Changes occur in the brain and with the behavior that may jeopardize the health and safety of the sufferer. Depending on the severity of the issue and the stage of dementia, this disease can negatively impact the individual’s sense of time, awareness of place, their judgement, the behaviors that they exhibit, their physical capabilities, as well as the senses.

If your loved one has dementia, it is critical that you learn how to create an environment that is both comfortable and safe for them.

Evaluate the Living Space

It is important to seniors to have the ability to live at home and maintain their independence for as long as possible; however, the environment must be safe.

In order to determine what steps must be taken to make the environment safe, you must first evaluate the living space – not through your own eyes, but through the eyes of the sufferer.

Are there obstructions where the person walks? If an emergency arises, will the individual be able to get out of the home safely and quickly? Are all areas within the home relatively safe?

Once you have conducted a thorough evaluation, you may move on to the next step.

Eliminate Hazards That Could Result in Trips and/or Falls

It is imperative that floors, walkways, and rooms be free of clutter and other types of obstructions that may result in accidental trips and/or falls.

Examples of items that should be removed include unnecessary tables, racks designed to hold magazines, lamps that rest on the floor, rugs, mats, and items that are similar in nature.

You may also install items throughout the home that will help your loved one move freely in the home. Examples include handrails and grab bars.

Inspect Safety Devices

There should be safety devices placed throughout the home. These include smoke detectors, fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, motion lights, and night lights.

In order to ensure a safe environment, it is important to inspect these to make certain that they are working properly, have charged batteries, and are readily accessible for your loved one.

Pay special attention to lighting as well-lit areas help to reduce the issue of disorientation with the loved one that has dementia.

Consider Relocation

If your loved one is a hazard to themselves or are in a late-stage of dementia, the best method to ensuring a safe environment is to consider memory loss care in New Jersey.

There are assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and similar locations that specialize in memory care. These environments are designed to meet the physiological, psychological, and cognitive needs of individuals that suffer from memory issues.

For more information, you may contact us here at Beacon Senior Advisors today by calling the following number: 973-713-0096