Safety, Safety, Safety.
There is always a time gap between when you start to realize brain changes in your loved one and the time you see the doctor and possibly get a diagnosis. However, you need to realize that even with a diagnosis, things may not change drastically. A precise diagnosis brings knowledge and understanding and opens up a door for resources and medication, but it doesn’t necessarily change the day-to-day of your life.
So how do we handle this beginning timeframe between recognition and diagnosis? Of course, the first thing you would always think of is; are my actions keeping my loved one safe?
Things to consider altering or areas of possible concern. (This will vary with dementia types. This is not a one size fits all list.)
- Medication use and distribution.
- Over or under-medicating can be very detrimental to an individual’s health.
- Using weekly pill boxes, alerts, and alarms, and hiding or disposing of unneeded medications.
- Designating one person to refill pill boxes and keeping extra medications out of sight.
- Don’t assume an individual with dementia is taking their medication on time. If possible, be with them when medications are taken, so you know they swallowed the pills. Facetime works if the individual is capable of understanding and using that feature.
- Make it a group activity. “I am taking my pills; we can do it together.”
- Keeping the bathroom clean and simple
- Removing unneeded objects from the bathroom. If you can, keep out a toothbrush, toothpaste, and hair brush – that’s it.
- Keep medications hidden until needed.
- Keep all plugged-in items out of sight until needed.
- Label Shampoo, Conditioner, and toothpaste.
- Use nonslip strips or mats in the shower or tub.
- Lay out clothing
- This can be done in the morning or before bed.
- You could also try to lay it out while the individual showers.
- You can give choices but keep it simple; “would you like the white sweater or the black sweater?” Not “which sweater would you like to wear?”
- Install off switches for the microwave, stove, and ovens.
- This can get expensive and requires some planning, but if possible, it is a great way to ensure your loved one does not leave the stove on or accidentally turn it on.
- Declutter as many living spaces as possible.
- The more choices and distractions, the harder it is for individuals with dementia to focus.
- Less is more.
- Get a hid- a- key.
- Make a workstation.
- Think of things your loved one enjoys doing and set up a designated area in the home for that.
- My mom loved puzzles and art, so we had a designated area just for her stuff. We put an Alexia there so it could play music she liked and she would color.
- Informing others
- Alicia and I are firm believers in not keeping these challenges a secret from family and friends, but don’t forget to inform doctors’ offices, hair dresses, pastors, and other individuals your loved one may call or come into contact with throughout the week.
These are just a few of the many tricks and tips you can use to help keep your loved one safe, lower frustration and agitation, and make your days a little bit easier. For more tips, please visit our five tips for beginner caregivers HERE.
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