Simplifing Life For People With Memory Loss

Caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease or other memory disorder at home can be a rewarding experience for you and your parent.

But tending to the needs of someone with a memory disorder can be stressful for even the most devoted care provider – especially as the disease progresses. Making some simple environmental changes can help ease the burden of caregiving and make home a safe, comfortable place for your relative with a memory disorder.

HOME SAFE HOME

Even the most comfortable home presents hazards to people with memory disorders.

Take steps to prevent accidents:

• Install childproof locks or alarms on doors to the yard, basement, attic, stairs and garage or hide doors behind a folding door, large picture or curtains.
• Remove locks from bathrooms and bedrooms so your parent doesn't accidentally lock himself in.
• Put safety latches or locks on drawers, cupboards and closets where cleaning products, knives, irons, medications, firearms and other dangerous items are stored.
• Keep doors to the outside locked or install an alarm to prevent wandering. Keep an extra key hidden in a safe place or give one to your neighbor.

THE "ALZHEIMER-FRIENDLY" BATHROOM

The bathroom can be a confusing and hazardous place for people with memory disorders. Help your relative use the bathroom safely:

• Tape a sign saying "toilet" or a picture of a toilet on the door if your relative has trouble finding the bathroom.
• Put reflective tape around the door or install a nightlight so he or she can find the bathroom easily at night.
• Remove or hide bathroom wastebaskets -- they are often mistaken for the toilet.
• Stow hairdryers, shavers and other electrical devices outside the bathroom to avoid electric shock if the appliance gets wet.
• Keep the hot water heater temperature at 120 degrees of lower to prevent accidental scalds.
• Install grab bars in the tub and near the toilet to prevent falls.

TIPS FOR A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP

Sleep problems are common in people with memory disorders. They often get up during the night and may become disoriented in the dark. Install a baby monitor to let you know if your relative is up and about. If your parent is apt to fall, switch to a lower bed put pillows and comforters around the bed to reduce the risk of injury. 

MAKE DRESSING EASY

Offer only a few clothing choices to make it easier for your parent to choose the day's outfit. Put out-of-season clothes away so he or she doesn't don a wool sweater in midsummer or shorts in midwinter. Keep underwear and socks in baskets in the closet along with his other clothes. It's easier for people with memory disorders to get dressed by themselves if all their clothes are stored in the same place.

A ROOM OF YOUR OWN

Looking after someone with a memory disorder at home is a round-the-clock full-time job. Every caregiver needs a "time out" each day for relaxation and recuperation to prevent caregiver burnout. Choose a room where you can shut the door, take a nap, read a book, watch TV or just do nothing for a half-hour or so. Enlist another family member to keep an eye on your parent while you're "on break".

CHANGE IS GOOD

It's important to recognize and understand that a failing memory affects not only your parent's confidence and independence but also the wellbeing of you the caregiver and other family members. Making a few simple changes to your house and daily routines will turn your home a safe, comfortable abode for everyone who lives there.