By Kim Boyer
Elder Law News
June 2003
Alzhiemer’s disease can make it difficult to accomplish tasks like cooking, making a phone call, or taking a bath. Modifying the home environment can make it safer and easier for loved ones to function at home. The Mayo Clinic offers these suggestions for simplifying living space:
- Keep emergency phone numbers, including doctor and family contacts, by all telephones.
- Store items used most often in easy-to-reach places.
- Make sure there are first-aid kits, fire extinguishers, and working smoke alarms in the home.
- Keep poisons and medications out of sight.
- Limit stove use. If there is a safety concern, throw the circuit breaker, unplug the stove or remove stove knobs.
- Adjust the water heater to 120 degrees to avoid burns.
- Remove throw rugs; keep stairways free of clutter; and use nightlights in hallways, bathrooms and bedrooms.
- Provide adequate lighting in hard-to-see areas.
- Avoid moving furniture, as this may disorient the person.
- Move electrical cords under furniture or tape them to walls.
