Could a person with dementia negotiate this escape route in a fire?
A person with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia may not be aware of fire safety. Dementia is a disease of the brain that affects perception, thinking ability, and judgment. Here are some additional tips for home fire safety and a home evacuation plan for homes that include a person with dementia.
- Keep the home free from clutter so that emergency personnel can enter.
- Consider installing a shut off switch for the stove so the person with dementia cannot turn it on without assistance.
- The person should sleep in a room that has easy access to the outdoors in case the home needs to be evacuated.
- Consider fire safety when you decide if the person with dementia can stay home alone.
- Be prepared for the possibility that the person with dementia might wander away if the home is evacuated.
- Have a recent photo and medical history stored online or in another location.
- Consider identification programs, such as MedicAlert® or Safe Return®
- Get to know your neighbors. Alert them to the fact that your loved one may not know what to do after a home evacuation and may wander.
It is important to remember that the cognitive abilities of a person with dementia are constantly changing. Periodically reassess the person’s safety awareness with the assistance of a professional who works with people with dementia.
See these related articles:
Should a person with Alzhemier's disease or dementia stay home alone?
Where can I find an adult day program in San Francisco
10 Warning signs of Alzheimer's disease
Collecting or hoarding? How to help
Email me at: SFSeniorCare@gmail.com
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Comments
Good article. Another risk for a dementia client living alone is fall risk. Caregivers can take a free fall risk assessment and receive an overview along with suggestions on making the home safer for someone who is at risk. Visit www.toghers.com and click on take our fall risk assessment.
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