Depending on the stage and pace of progression of the disease, the Alzheimer’s Association shares with us there are 5 key changes which happen in the body and brain that can affect safety.

• Trouble with balance can happen as a result of changes physically and neurologically (in the brain).
• Forgetfullness, such as not remembering how to use an appliance or how to use a phone properly, which affects their judgement.
• Changes in their senses (vision, hearing, ability to feel extreme temperatures of objects, etc.)
• Getting lost, because their sense of time and place is altered.
• Behaviors, such as suspiciousness, fearfulness, confusion, or irritation, that can make them difficult to manage and reason with.

Yes, and many are low cost as well!  In no certain order, here’s some practical changes you can make to keep your loved one safe, based on suggestions from the National Institutes of Health (NIH):

• Remove or lock up alcohol, as drinking alcohol can cause increased confusion.
• Clearly place emergency contact numbers and your home address near all telephones.
• Hide a spare key somewhere outside the home, in case one or all of you get locked out of the house.
• Remove or lock up dangerous objects, such as guns, knives, power tools, etc.
• Get rid of poisonous plants.  If you don’t know for sure if a plant is poisonous, contact a local nursery or the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222)
• Think about disconnecting the garbage disposal.

Many more ideas and tips can be found in the NIH Home Safety Guide.

This is a big concern for many.  You are not alone.  The Alzheimer’s Association has come up with a number of ways to help prevent wandering.  It’s important to remember, though, that as hard as you try, wandering can happen and by doing the things suggested by the Alzheimer’s Association, you may just reduce the chances of that happening.  Specific suggestions include:

• Set daily routines.  This provides structure.  Things like mealtimes, personal hygiene, sleeping schedules, and time for chores and activity are sugggested.
• Pay attention to the time of day or circumstances that cause them to wander.  Plan activities during those times.
• If your loved one wanders, avoid busy places that makes them even more confused and likely to wander off.  Places like malls, stores, or social events/places are ones to consider.
• Pay attention to their basic needs, so they don’t try to go off on their own to get them met.  Examples include going to the bathroom, eating, feeling thirsty, etc.
• Give them reassurance if they should feel lost or disoriented.  Try not to correct them.  Instead, offer words of comfort like, “We are safe and I’ll be with you.”