The patient/caregiver was educated on general home safety measures for Alzheimer’s patients as follows:
- It is also safer to lock any syringes, sharps, sharps containers, scissors, blades, knives, forks power drills, screwdrivers, and any other household objects with a potential to cause a grievous injury. If the patient/caregiver has a gun or other licensed weapon, caregivers must make sure they block the access of the Alzheimer’s patient to these life-threatening devices.
- Many Alzheimer’s patients severely compromised on their mental abilities yet retain the procedural memory regarding performance of some tasks, such as, driving. Gaining access to the car keys can be extremely dangerous to themselves and also to the general public on the road. Caregivers must make sure they block the access of the Alzheimer’s patient to all the vehicle keys by locking them safely in a cabinet and keeping the key off reach for the individual.
- Caregivers must leave notices on the walls displaying the list of emergency phone numbers, such as, 911, caregiver’s name & contact, physician’s name & contact, etc., This can help the Alzheimer’s individual seek immediate assistance during an emergency situation. Alzheimer’s patients often could not recall the name of the caregiver they wish to call in an emergency. They also could find it difficult identifying the caregiver in the contact list on their phone. Memory cell phones are available currently, displaying pictures of the caregivers, physicians, and a dedicated 911 button, thus eliminating the need to remember the name or the number. Memory cell phones can save time for Alzheimer’s patients with seeking help during emergency states and ensures their safety.
