Staying Safe with Alzheimer’s

Take these six steps to make your home comfortable and safe now—and for the future

Woman cleaning kitchen

If you’ve been diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s, there’s a good chance you don’t immediately see a difference in your day-to-day life. “Alzheimer’s spreads slowly through the brain over five to fifteen years or even longer,” says Catherine Madison, M.D., a neurologist in San Francisco who specializes in Alzheimer’s. “The important thing is to maintain a good quality of life now—and plan for the future.”

One of the more critical plans you should make is for long-term safety in your home, says Dr. Madison. Ask yourself these six important questions following a diagnosis. 

Question #1: Can I stay in my home long-term? “Look at the big picture,” says Dr. Madison. “If you’re living in a three-story house, your most important safety concern is risk for falls on steps or stairs. You need to find another home or figure out how to live on one level.” 

Your action plan: You don’t have to sell your house tomorrow, but it’s important to start talking it over with family and close friends. Is there someone who could help you put your property on the market, or could you potentially move in with a roommate or caregiver? 

Question #2: How safe is my bathroom? The Centers for Disease Control declared bathrooms to be a particularly dangerous room in the house, with 50 percent of all home injuries occurring in the bathroom. 

Your action plan: Consider adding safety measures like non-skid bath mats and easy-to-install grab bars for the shower and beside the toilet. You can order these items online, or purchase them while on a shopping trip with a friend. 

Question #3: Are there rugs I need to remove? One study found that nearly 78 percent of homes with older adults had loose throw rugs and curled carpet edges in more than 35 percent. One of the most dangerous spots for a throw rug is the hallway, a location that has an increased risk of a fall, which can lead to a hip fracture.

Your action plan: Recruit a friend or family member to help you remove all throw rugs from your home. If they’re still in good shape, donate them, give them away, or sell them at a yard sale. Bonus: Your floors will likely be easier to keep clean now.

Question #4: How safe is my kitchen? With the addition of extreme heat from stovetops and ovens, sharp corners that can endanger your hips, and utensils that might be dangerous under certain circumstances, the kitchen is one of the spots in your home that might require the most tweaking.

Your action plan: Enlist the help of a family member or friend to install safety knobs on the stove, and consider disconnecting the garbage disposal. Now might also be a good time to install safety locks on cupboards that contain cleaning supplies, knives, and matches. You might not need these precautions right now, but it’s good to be prepared for the future.

Question #5: Do I feel isolated in my bedroom? Nighttime can be a little scary for those with Alzheimer’s. If you’re worried about waking up in the dark and feeling afraid or confused—or experiencing a medical problem in the middle of the night—now’s the time to start planning ahead for help.

Your action plan: Consider getting your own personal assistant: a smart speaker. “I care for elders who feel more secure having their Amazon Echo or other smart speaker to connect with their family,” says Elizabeth Landsverk, M.D., a geriatric specialist in Burlingame, California. “It’s a great way to feel connected and get help if you need it.” 

Smart speakers can also help you turn the lights on and off, adjust the temperature, and even remind you of appointments or help you find your keys. 

Question #6: Is my living room livable? Like lots of people, you’ve probably collected too much stuff—and that can pose a safety hazard. 

Your action plan: Enlist a friend’s help for a clearing-out party. Keep a couple of special collectibles, and pack up the rest to give to relatives or donate to charity. Tough to part with special mementos? Take pictures of them on your smartphone to scroll through and enjoy when you want to.

Lots of electric cords? Get help tucking them away safely where you can’t trip over them. Glass patio doors? Put a fun sticker at eye level to keep you from walking into them. Piles of magazines? Clear them out. Then sit back and enjoy your new clutter-free living space.