Alzheimer’s, the most common type of dementia, is a progressive disease or a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and one’s ability to carry on a conversation and respond to the environment. It basically hinders a person’s ability to carry out daily activities, leaving them incapacitated in most social situations.
Unfortunately, more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. It kills more people than breast and prostate cancer. The deaths have increased by 16% during the pandemic.
A person with Alzheimer’s lives 4 to 8 years after diagnosis but can live as long as 20 years, depending on other factors. It is most common in people over the age of 65.
It’s a sad reality, but it is what it is.
Alzheimer’s day is celebrated on September 21 to raise awareness of the disease, common symptoms, and risk factors. Alzheimer’s organizations worldwide hold seminars, awareness sessions, and different workshops to spread the word. Many organizations conduct donation drives to provide care and support to families and accelerate research.
The disease is irreversible, and there’s no cure, according to medical experts. The inability to recall recent events is extremely dangerous. Moreover, people wander and get lost, have trouble handling money and paying bills, and even experience hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia in severe cases.
Alzheimer’s Safety Tips
If you have Alzheimer’s or you are a caregiver, the patient must be monitored at all times. Why? Because people who have Alzheimer’s often find themselves in unfamiliar situations. They can hurt themselves, or someone might take advantage of them.
Here are a few Alzheimer’s safety tips you should keep in mind:
Ensure Maximum Home Safety
People who have Alzheimer’s are not efficient in performing routine tasks. In this case, it is advised to eliminate all the potential hazards in the home and create a safe environment for the patient.
- Bedroom Safety: Install a monitoring device like a baby monitor to hear if the person with Alzheimer’s needs help. Make sure there are no cords or furniture in the walking space.
- Bathroom Safety: Place non-skid maps to avoid accidental falls. Install as many grab bars as possible. Limit access to potentially dangerous items like razors and electrical wiring.
- Other Home Safety Tips: Remove locks from the patient’s room and bathrooms. Install safety knobs on the HVAC and stove. Avoid clutter and mark all glass panes. Prevent access to hazardous products like sharp tools, sporting equipment, paint, fertilizer, gas, detergent, etc. Keep the stairs clean and accessible. Keep the home well-lit. Put “STOP” or “Turn Around “sign on all doors leading to the outside. Be prepared for emergencies.
Buy Alzheimer’s Safety Products
Alzheimer’s can cause uncertainty and behavior changes. Patients may forget how to use household appliances, get lost on one’s own street, have trouble maintaining balance, and become easily fearful.
It’s important to have certain safety products for Alzheimer’s patients. This makes their lives easier and much safer. Here’s a list of dementia safety devices that you should consider buying:
- Silent Beacon Panic Button
- Automatic Pill Dispenser
- GPS Tracker Watch
- Day Clock (With Reminder)
- Bath Rail
- Easy TV Remote
- Baby Monitor
- Stove Fire Prevention
- Picture Memory Phones & Phones without Dial Pads
Silent Beacon Panic Button For Alzheimer Patients
GPS tracking, panic button, emergency contacts, Alzheimer’s safety app, customizable alerts, lost device finders, multiple alert methods — Silent Beacon ticks all those boxes. Moreover, it’s easier for a patient to manage one device rather than 2-3 separate ones.
Why is Silent Beacon one of the Best Dementia Safety Devices Out There?
The patient just has to press one button to send their real-time location to the loved ones. You, being the caregiver, can always track the GPS location. In case of an emergency, let’s say an accidental fall, the patient can press the panic button to alert 911 and all emergency contacts. With the Silent Beacon’s GPS technology, first responders will be able to pinpoint the Alzheimer patient’s location in real-time and track the footsteps as they move.
You can load up to seven contacts (including emergency personnel) and reach out to them through text, email, and/or push notification within 3 seconds of pressing the panic button.
Prepare For Emergencies
Make sure all the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are operational. You can install safety alarms in your house if the patient tries to go outside. Make sure there are working locks on all windows and front and back doors.
Let the neighbors and friends know about the patient’s condition. They might be able to help out in a tricky situation.
No need to panic in case of an emergency. If you are a patient yourself, immediately press the panic button so that a loved one can reach out to you. In case you are a caregiver, go to the patient’s location as soon as possible. Comfort them and take them home.
