Fourth in a series of four; read part 1: Setting a Firm Foundation; read part 2: A Successful Action Plan; read part 3: Meaningful Activities

Clearly, creating a dementia-friendly home is a complex, dynamic and lengthy process that cannot be accomplished in a vacuum of peace and quiet. Caregivers must integrate these changes on a daily, sometimes minute-by-minute basis, while simultaneously dealing with the often frustrating behaviors of the loved one in need. Having a list is extremely helpful for bringing all of these pieces together in one place. The Alzheimer’s Association has created an excellent tool that breaks the process down room by room:

Kitchen

• Lock up cleaning supplies
• Turn off electricity to the garbage disposal
• Hide knives and other utensils
• Store small appliances (toaster, blender)
• Unplug larger appliances (microwave)
• Remove knobs from the stove; hook up stove to a hidden gas valve or electric switch
• Keep fire extinguisher nearby
• Clean out refrigerator regularly

Bathroom

• Set water temperature to 120 degrees or less
• Install grab bars
• Add textured stickers to slippery surfaces
• Supervise the use of hair dryers, curling irons, and electric and hand razors
• Remove locks from the bathroom door
• Take dangerous items out of medicine chests

Bedroom

• Avoid using electric blankets
• Monitor use of heating pads
• Install night lights between the bedroom and bathroom

Garage

• Lock up hand and power tools (drills, axes, saws, picks)
• Limit access to large equipment (lawn mower, weed trimmer, snow blower)
• Lock up poisonous chemicals (paints, fertilizers)

Throughout the home

• Disguise outdoor locks or install dead bolts
• Remove or tape down throw rugs and carpeting
• Apply colored stickers to large windows and sliding glass doors
• Remove poisonous plants
• Create an even level of lighting near doorways, stairways and between rooms
• Remove objects that block walking paths
• Remove and disable guns or other weapons

Outdoors

• Disconnect gas from gas grill
• Lock fence gates
• Supervise the person, especially in areas that are not enclosed
• Put away car keys

While it might be easy to follow a checklist like the one above, creating the action plan to prevent boredom, maintain independence and ensure caregiver/care recipient’s safety is extremely difficult and quite intangible. It can’t be crossed off a list, as there is no standard template for such a plan because it is so highly personal. Only you and your care team can be the ultimate experts on what is best for your loved one – and throughout the Alzheimer’s journey, you will learn and re-learn exactly what that looks like.

The journey of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia is one that must be taken seriously and taken in stride. There are necessary changes to make your home dementia-friendly; sometimes, those changes must be undone. Don’t fret if this is the case; just make the changes and move forward. Expect the unexpected. Know that even the best-laid plans may change.

As more people choose to provide care at home for as long as possible – both due to the rising costs of facility-based care and the individual’s desire to remain at home and maintain independence and dignity – this is clearly a challenge facing many modern-day families. You are not alone. Join a support group in your community, or find someone you can talk to about your day-to-day experiences. And remember, it takes a village.

-Michelle Seitzer