Creating A Safe Environment for Seniors

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After someone is diagnosed with dementia, they find themselves having to make several adjustments to their life. One of these is creating safe environments in the home. One of the first areas that you should check is the bedroom. People tend to spend a lot of time in their bedroom, so you want to make sure it’s safe. The next place to modify is the kitchen. While the home does not seem like it could be dangerous, there are many things you might not think of when it comes to taking safety precautions.

How Occupational Therapists Can Help With Home Safety

One way to get some help with changes in the home is by seeking help from an Occupational Therapist. These therapists can advise on how to arrange the room so that it is functional and simple to navigate. Not all changes that you make have to be expensive, some can be free. It is important to remember that dementia is a progression and changes made to a room may need to progress with an individual with dementia worsens.

Home Modifications or Adjustments For Dementia

Once you have gotten some input from an Occupational Therapist, here are a few other steps to take in the home.

  • Create a first-floor laundry room
  • Make sure hallways are heavily lit
  • Consider smart home locks and alarm systems
  • Get rid of clutter
  • Consider installing wheelchair ramps
  • Ensure there are handrails in every stairwell
  • Widen doorways
  • Make flooring slip resistant
  • Create a barrier-free bathroom
  • Secure all chords
  • Eliminate low furniture
  • Make sure all entryways are clear

Home safety can play a large role in ensuring that a person with dementia is cared for. These are not all the ways that you can make a home more safe, but it is certainly a start.

Orchard at Brookhaven is a luxury senior living facility in Atlanta. Safety is at the top of our priority list. We take many precautions to ensure that our residents live in a danger-free environment. If you are looking for a senior living facility to ensure your loved one has a safe environment to live in, please do not hesitate to contact us.