Post by alice on Jun 27, 2019 12:36:36 GMT -5
6/27/2019
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As this is the month of Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness I wanted to share with families new to this disease some tips to help keep your home safe for your loved one.Try and keep furniture and everything the same..what your loved one has been used to.
Walk through your home and remove anything that might be used to hurt themselves or others even writing pens. Hide kitchen knives et.You may think this seems over done but a loved one can have an episode and try to hurt you. AD can be very cruel. With Jerry he
had a bad reaction to a med and with rage came after me but there was only a dish cloth. He twirled that and I went into the bedroom and lock the door and called my son..we were able to give him a small doesage of a med to help calm him.(this was later in the disease
but it could happen anytime) I was told never go into the bedroom as they become very strong
and can knock down your door. To always have an escape route and carry a cell phone.I was prepared
but thankful he never became that way again. I don't wish to scare any care giver just help you to be prepared. At night its a good idea to take the knobs off of your stove and shut the water off at all faucets. Loved ones will often roam during the night and turn on burners and water. I know several who have woke up to water every where. With Jerry my granddaughter put a slide lock on our bedroom door at the very top so he was always with me. AD patients do not usually look up this can be a safe thing for your outside doors as well.
Hide all keys to your outside doors and to your car. Many care givers have woken up to find
their loved one has decided to take a walk and they become lost..also during the day. You can buy throw rugs to place at the side of the bed or at the front door that have an alarm..I never used them so
I would not know if an alarm would frighten your loved one and cause bad reactions. I found the slide lock was all that was needed. As I shared Jerry's episode we must always remember this is not our loved one as we knew them but the terrible disease that is slowly taking over who they are and were. Alzheimer's shows no mercy a prayer for strength and guidance and that of your loved ones helps so much..God is faithful. Reach out to your loved ones they care!
Earlier in the disease I took Jerry to a park for a walk as I was helping him over a curbing I fell. I immediately realized if I had broken my ankle Jerry would be alone and completely lost. If he wandered off and someone found him he could not tell them his name. I always had his billfold in his back pocket with all the info but then he could loose that also. (Just a note here put dollars in the billfold I don't know how many times he would take those dollars out and try and count them..it makes sense doesn't it your loved one has most always had some money in their bill fold or purse.) After the fall I ordered a Safe Return Bracelet for him. All first responders recognize this as being a sign for help. It has their name, phone numbers to call, et. Jerry was not a wanderer but many are so always be prepared for the safety of your loved one and peace of mind for you.
I hope this helps someone. It all can be scary and I found knowledge is very powerful and helps so much.
Put your name on your to do list also and be kind to your self every day! Always know your doing your best and your loved one is blessed because of your caring love. Prayers and love and if I can be of help send me a message. Ann
www.medicalert.org/safereturn
For safety always know where your keys are to your car and home in case of fire, et.(On your person with your cell phone would be best) May I say always have a plan..and a second one for escape for you and your loved one after calling 911. I would not put a slide lock on the door of the garage as this could be used to get in or out quickly. (your loved one would not know how to open the garage door) For me never leave your loved one alone at any stage of any form of dementia as they can change for the worse in a second...especially with the slide locks locked. When Jerry became bed bound with Medicare you are allowed sitters to come in twice a week so you may shop for groceries or go to a DR. I would have then 2 hours 2 times a week if I needed them. My heart and prayers with you and your loved one.
I was care giver of my dear husband in our home for 8 years...he was my Hero!
>
As this is the month of Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness I wanted to share with families new to this disease some tips to help keep your home safe for your loved one.Try and keep furniture and everything the same..what your loved one has been used to.
Walk through your home and remove anything that might be used to hurt themselves or others even writing pens. Hide kitchen knives et.You may think this seems over done but a loved one can have an episode and try to hurt you. AD can be very cruel. With Jerry he
had a bad reaction to a med and with rage came after me but there was only a dish cloth. He twirled that and I went into the bedroom and lock the door and called my son..we were able to give him a small doesage of a med to help calm him.(this was later in the disease
but it could happen anytime) I was told never go into the bedroom as they become very strong
and can knock down your door. To always have an escape route and carry a cell phone.I was prepared
but thankful he never became that way again. I don't wish to scare any care giver just help you to be prepared. At night its a good idea to take the knobs off of your stove and shut the water off at all faucets. Loved ones will often roam during the night and turn on burners and water. I know several who have woke up to water every where. With Jerry my granddaughter put a slide lock on our bedroom door at the very top so he was always with me. AD patients do not usually look up this can be a safe thing for your outside doors as well.
Hide all keys to your outside doors and to your car. Many care givers have woken up to find
their loved one has decided to take a walk and they become lost..also during the day. You can buy throw rugs to place at the side of the bed or at the front door that have an alarm..I never used them so
I would not know if an alarm would frighten your loved one and cause bad reactions. I found the slide lock was all that was needed. As I shared Jerry's episode we must always remember this is not our loved one as we knew them but the terrible disease that is slowly taking over who they are and were. Alzheimer's shows no mercy a prayer for strength and guidance and that of your loved ones helps so much..God is faithful. Reach out to your loved ones they care!
Earlier in the disease I took Jerry to a park for a walk as I was helping him over a curbing I fell. I immediately realized if I had broken my ankle Jerry would be alone and completely lost. If he wandered off and someone found him he could not tell them his name. I always had his billfold in his back pocket with all the info but then he could loose that also. (Just a note here put dollars in the billfold I don't know how many times he would take those dollars out and try and count them..it makes sense doesn't it your loved one has most always had some money in their bill fold or purse.) After the fall I ordered a Safe Return Bracelet for him. All first responders recognize this as being a sign for help. It has their name, phone numbers to call, et. Jerry was not a wanderer but many are so always be prepared for the safety of your loved one and peace of mind for you.
I hope this helps someone. It all can be scary and I found knowledge is very powerful and helps so much.
Put your name on your to do list also and be kind to your self every day! Always know your doing your best and your loved one is blessed because of your caring love. Prayers and love and if I can be of help send me a message. Ann
www.medicalert.org/safereturn
For safety always know where your keys are to your car and home in case of fire, et.(On your person with your cell phone would be best) May I say always have a plan..and a second one for escape for you and your loved one after calling 911. I would not put a slide lock on the door of the garage as this could be used to get in or out quickly. (your loved one would not know how to open the garage door) For me never leave your loved one alone at any stage of any form of dementia as they can change for the worse in a second...especially with the slide locks locked. When Jerry became bed bound with Medicare you are allowed sitters to come in twice a week so you may shop for groceries or go to a DR. I would have then 2 hours 2 times a week if I needed them. My heart and prayers with you and your loved one.
I was care giver of my dear husband in our home for 8 years...he was my Hero!
I am no longer able to hold your hand my beloved but I cherish the remembrance of your hand in mine...and the wonderful person that touched so many lives with joy. : )