You want your older family member with dementia to be safe in every room of the house. But, when you think of home safety, you probably first think about the kitchen and the bathroom. However, it’s important to also make certain their bedroom is safe, too. Having dementia can present certain challenges at night that make changes to the bedroom essential. For example, the senior might have trouble getting out of bed on their own, which could result in a fall. Or, they might wander during nighttime hours. Below are 4 ways you can help to make your aging relative’s bedroom safer.
1: Install Bed Rails
Attaching a rail to the bed can prevent the older adult from accidentally rolling out of the bed. It can also give them something to hold on to and push themselves up when getting out of bed. They can also be useful to steady the senior when they get into bed.
2: Use a Monitor
A baby monitor can help you to hear if the senior tries to get up on their own during the night or if they call for you. There are all kinds of monitors available with different features, including video monitors that let you see what the older adult is doing.
3: Reduce Clutter
Getting rid of clutter and things that can confuse the older adult can help them to sleep better and reduce the chances of them getting up during the night. Things like busy wallpaper and knick knacks can add to confusion. Also, mirrors can be frightening since seniors with dementia sometimes don’t recognize their own reflection.
4: Be Careful with Heating Devices
If possible, avoid using any kind of portable heater or electric blanket in the older adult’s bedroom. They could cause a fire or burn. If the senior must use an electric blanket, make sure the controls are not within their reach.
Home care can help to keep your aging relative safe during the night, too. Home care providers can come to the house at night and say with the senior overnight so that family caregivers can get the sleep they need. Home care providers can help the older adult with their bedtime routine, like changing into their pajamas and brushing their teeth. If they need to get up to use the bathroom during the night, the home care provider can help get safely to the bathroom without falling. A home care provider can also make sure they don’t wander out of the house at night.
Sources
https://www.unforgettable.org/blog/6-ways-to-make-bedrooms-safe-for-someone-with-dementia/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/caregivers/in-depth/home-safety-tips/art-20046785
https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/home-care/info-2017/dementia-home-safety.html
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING HOME CARE SERVICES IN SUMMERLIN, NV, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE OF SUMMERLIN. 702-800-4616.
