Care Techniques
Living with Dementia: The Importance of a Safe Home
Having a family member living with dementia means rediscovering the home environment you thought you knew. That warm nest full of memories can quickly become a labyrinth of hazards. As your desire to protect your loved one grows and your responsibilities increase, you may feel a sense of anxiety and uncertainty. The moments you share together become more precious and fragile. In this article, I present a ten-step, evidence-based roadmap to make the home safer for your loved one with dementia. Remember: a safe environment brings peace not only to them but also to you. Because a home is only truly a home when it promises peace.
Dementia and Home Safety: Why Is It So Critical?
Dementia is a common neurological condition affecting around 600,000 people in Turkey.1 Memory loss, impaired judgment, disorientation, and reduced mobility can introduce unexpected new risks to daily life at home. Research shows that people with dementia are more prone to falls, getting lost, household accidents, and medical complications compared to other older adults.2 Simple precautions therefore play a vital role in preventing serious incidents.
10 Evidence-Based Safety Measures for the Home
Prevent Falls: Organize Floors and Walkways
As dementia progresses, balance and movement coordination may deteriorate. Remove slippery rugs or secure them with non-slip tape. Make sure furniture isn’t moved around randomly and that main walkways (corridors, living room paths) are always clear and accessible. Walking on glossy floors (polished parquet) with shoes can increase the risk of slip and fall accidents.
Optimize Lock and Alarm Systems
To prevent unsupervised exits (wandering), install additional locking mechanisms at higher or upper parts of exterior doors. Also, make sure alarm systems for dangers like fire or gas leaks (smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms) are in place. Simple motion sensor warning systems can be added to doors and windows as well.
Restrict Access to Hazardous Substances, Medications, and Tools
Keep cleaning products, medications, and sharp or flammable objects in kitchen or bathroom cabinets locked or out of reach. People with dementia may confuse jar lids or medication boxes; the risk of taking the wrong medication or poisoning is present. It’s always good practice to use childproof locks.
Take Extra Precautions in the Kitchen
Appliances like stoves, ovens, and kettles can be dangerous if left unsupervised. If possible, use stoves with automatic shutoff, ensure knobs are removable or protected. Only allow access to the kitchen under supervision, unplug and store electrical appliances in cabinets. Always keep flammable items (like matches) locked away.
Make the Bathroom and Toilet Safe
Wet floors, bathtubs, and shower cabins increase the risk of falling. Non-slip mats, grab bars, and if necessary, a shower stool or raised toilet seat can be life-saving. Adjust water temperature in advance (make sure it never exceeds 45°C) to prevent scalding. Bathroom and toilet doors should be designed so they can easily be opened from the outside.
Improve Lighting
People with dementia have more difficulty orienting themselves in low light or shadowed areas. Night lights, and motion-sensor lighting in corridors and stairways, help reduce confusion and nighttime falls. Avoid sudden changes in lighting; provide consistent, soft, and even illumination throughout the home.
Use Simple and Clear Signage
Add clearly readable, simple symbols and signs in areas like the bathroom, toilet, and kitchen. This practice, especially in middle and late stages of the disease, helps prevent disorientation or anxiety. Putting reminders on the door of their own room can help them find their way if they wake up at night.
Organize Personal Belongings and the Bedside Area
Too many items, exposed cables, or cluttered furniture can cause accidents. Keep the most frequently used items within easy reach by the bed. Pay extra attention to ensuring there are no obstacles on the path to the bathroom at night.
Add Physical Barriers to Hazardous Spots
Staircases, balconies, and fireplaces are high-risk areas. Place a child safety gate at the top of stairs, lock balcony doors, or add a protective screen in front of fireplaces to prevent accidents. It’s also important to cover electrical outlets to restrict child access.
Care for Your Loved One’s Emotional Safety Too
Emotional security is as vital as physical safety. Leaving favorite photos and familiar objects visible can help reduce common anxiety. Avoid overstimulation; keep the environment simple, orderly, and warm with personal touches to minimize a sense of alienation or restlessness. Kindness and understanding complete all other safety measures.
Extra Tips: Small Touches to Make Life Easier in Practice
Maintain daily routines: A home shaped by habits helps reduce mental fatigue and brings comfort.
Prepare an emergency plan: Always have a card on your loved one containing their name, address, and emergency contact information.
Avoid leaving them alone: Especially in the evenings, being alone increases the risk of wandering or panic attacks.
Update frequently: As the disease progresses, review your safety measures often and adapt your home to new requirements.
Coping with Difficult Emotions: Remember, This Is an Act of Love, Not Just Caregiving
If you implement these suggestions step by step, both you and your loved one with dementia can find more peace of mind. But remember: it’s not always possible to achieve perfection. Sometimes an item will end up in the wrong place, and sometimes you’ll feel exhausted. Behind every step there is love, patience, and dedication. Knowing that a small precaution can prevent major accidents is often reassuring. Instead of feeling guilty, remember to celebrate the effort and love you bring to this journey.
Final Note: Your Own Peace Is intertwined with Your Loved One’s Safety
Remember: Safety starts with inner peace. Every proactive step you take at home not only keeps your loved ones physically safer but also makes them feel emotionally better. You are a strong and attentive supporter. On every new day you embark upon, you’re not just a caregiver—you’re also a loving companion. Stay safe, don’t hesitate to seek support. Because you are not alone.
Resources
Turkish Alzheimer Association, "Prevalence of Dementia and Alzheimer’s in Turkey", 2022.
Alzheimer’s Association, "Dementia Care Practice Recommendations", 2021.
World Health Organization, "Risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia: WHO guidelines", 2019.
Fleming & Bowles (1987), Safe Environments for People with Dementia.
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