The Bedroom
If the person in your care spends lots of time in the bedroom, make it comfortable, convenient and safe.
Good lighting makes a room cheerful, makes getting around easier and reduces the risk of falls and medication errors. If the room doesn’t get much natural daylight, install sturdy floor lamps (position them in a corner where they won’t be knocked over), wall-mounted lamps or lamps that attach firmly to the bed frame. Avoid table lamps that can tip over, break and cause fires. Most light bulbs get hot, so use light fixtures that shield the bulb from fingers. Night lights in the bedroom, in the hallway just outside the bedroom, and in the nearest bathroom are also important. For daytime naps, use light-blocking blinds. Keep blind cords looped up or knotted to avoid tripping hazards.
Make sure the bed is comfortable, according to the person’s preference. Keep heaters clean and clear of furnishings, drapes and bedding. Sleep is enhanced when the room is slightly cooler (about 65° F). Fresh air is important. Crack open windows in nice weather and air the room frequently.
A bedside table should be sturdy, large enough to accommodate whatever the person needs, and at a comfortable height and distance from the bed. Always keep a flashlight within easy reach. Unless the person in your care is bedridden, encourage him or her to sit in a comfortable chair—not the bed—when watching TV or listening to the radio. To avoid insomnia, the bed should only be used for sleeping—not eating, working or watching TV. That same comfortable, sturdy chair is also helpful when dressing, and can be used as a balance or support aid in transferring or moving around the room.
A portable commode is helpful for a person with limited mobility. The portable commode (with the pail removed) can be used over the toilet seat and as a shower seat.
The mattress should be firm, a comfortable height—about 22″ is good—and placed securely against a wall. If the bed has wheels, lock them. If blocks are used to raise its height, make sure they are secure.
Bed guard rails may be helpful when getting in and out of bed, but may add to the risk of falls if the person attempts to climb over them. Consult with a physical therapist about the best way to use them—if at all—for the person in your care. A bed cane may be a safer alternative; it has a wooden base that fits between the mattress and box spring and a grab bar above.
If the person in your care is frequently up at night, place an alarm mat beside the bed, use an infrared sensor beam to sound an alarm when he crosses the beam, or attach a motion sensor to clothing. For those who wander, lower the bed height by removing casters, box springs, or legs; place the dresser at the end of the bed. If necessary, install a monitor to listen to activity in the room.
Also consider adding:
- A fish tank, to provide entertainment and relaxation
- A bulletin board with pictures of family and friends hung where it can be easily seen
- A calender and an easy-to-read alarm clock to keep the person oriented to date and time
Outdoor Areas
Safe outdoor areas are important, especially for those who are frail but still mobile. Safety features include:
- Ramps instead of steps
- Sturdy railings on decks and porches
- Alarmed or locked outside doors
- Good lighting, to illuminate walkway hazards
- Nonslip step surfaces in good repair
- Stair handrails
- Step edges marked with reflective paint
- A hedge or fence around the yard, and sturdy fencing around dangerous areas like pools or streams
A periodic safety check identifies items that need attention and can be a reminder of safety behaviors you need to follow:
- Remove power tools after use.
- Keep steps and sidewalks clear and free from toys, tools, ice and snow.
- Keep the yard free of sharp objects.
- Keep lawn in good repair.
- Keep clotheslines strung high so no one walks into them.
- Keep gas and charcoal grills clean; use with caution.
Doors, Windows, and Steps
Because a person with Alzheimer’s may try to leave the house on his own:
- Install an electric eye device that rings when someone goes out.
- Install a lock close to the floor, where it is less noticeable.
- Cover the door knob to make it difficult to grasp and open.
- Use decals to hide or disguise the door.
- Lock sliding doors.
- Install window guards.
- Consider installing a keypad lock that requires the user to enter a code to open the door.
Your local Area Agency on Aging provides home safety resources. Check with local police to find out if they manage a Senior Locks Program, which installs deadbolt locks and other security devices for homeowners 55 and older who meet federal income guidelines.
Comfort Keepers provides in-home care to seniors and the elderly living in Ocala, Gainesville, and The Villages, Florida. We provide superior in-home care to seniors and the elderly throughout Central Florida so they can live enriched independent lifestyles! Call us today at 855-592-0013.
photo credit: icefront
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