1.Remove tripping hazards

You may be surprised at how many items you have that could become an issue.

Begin by removing, Throw Rugs and they could be everywhere

• Front and Back door, inside and out

• Bathroom rugs (even if they are “non slip”)they have an edge and don’t give away

• Bedroom rug

• Remove table cloths. When hands are used to “push up” to stand from the table after sitting this can cause slipping.

• Keep sheets and blankets from hanging down to far on the Plwd side to keep feet from getting tangled when getting out of bed

• De-clutter as much as you can. The less items the pLwd has to process the better it is for them.

• Increase lighting. Dementia reduces the field of vision as it progresses and makes it even harder for them to see to move around.

• Remove non-essential furniture to reduce injury from “running into” things

  2.Remove breakables

• Remove glass from the bathroom (drinking cups, toothbrush holder, soap dispenser)

• Install grab bars, if possible

• Use toilet seat with grip bars

• install shower chair and extension shower wand (removable and easier to wash hair

  3.Labeling

  Depending on the level of progression you may or may not want to do this until its necessary. This step allows the pLwd to maintain some independence when they cannot recognize items or remember where they are normally located. Using a permanent marker and construction tape keeps this a simple process.

• label kitchen cabinets as to their contents. such as: drinking cups, Forks, Spoons, bowls, etc. You may want to create a special cabinet with these items clearly placed on separate shelves just for them. This allows them to maintain some independence. Be sure to keep the choices simple with one or two items of each. Example: 2 forks, 2 spoons, 2 bowls, etc.

• label bedroom dresser drawers: socks, pants, shirts, underwear, etc.

• label bathroom drawers: toothbrush, toothpaste, towels, soap, etc.

• label food in the refrigerator. Keep it simple. Example: “meat-turkey”, “bread for turkey”, “juice”. Label the Fruit drawer- “Fruit”, etc.

  4.Safety

• Install door alarms that beep when door is opened

• install *nanny camera if you work during the day or invest in home device that alerts you if there is a fall or other emergency issue

• check exterior doors to the house, including garage door and make sure they can’t be locked accidently leaving a person locked out

• have the pLwd wear an alert bracelet

• If the kitchen is a concern you can either turn off the oven at main breaker, unplug it or remove the knobs to prevent use

• set their phone so that an incoming call from “unknown” number goes directly to voice mail to avoid spammers

• keep a list of medications where Emergency personal can access

• Emergency contact numbers should be placed where a person providing respite care for you can access. It is a good idea to keep the medication list here as well. Place it in a sealed envelope with directions written on it that state it is to be given to Emergency personal only.