Alzheimer's Safety Measures

Alzheimer's is a degenerative brain disease partially related to the accumulation of proteins called amyloids in the brain. The disease is progressive resulting in confusion, anxiety and memory loss in the patient.

The beginning symptoms of Alzheimer's may be very subtle therefore, family members may only notice that a loved one appears to be losing it, a little off or no longer behaves normally. These references are not meant to be unkind or disrespectful, many that have not had any experience with anyone affected by this disease may not realize the impact it has on the patient.

Changes in behavior can become a serious problem for the safety of the person stricken with Alzheimer's. This disease can cause anxiety and restlessness therefore, the caretaker must realize that the patient may begin wandering away from home. When a person with Alzheimer's is lost they are also confused and often do not even know their name or address or that they need to seek assistance.

The National Alzheimer's Association states that up to half of the Alzheimer's patients who wander will suffer serious injury or death if not found within twenty-four hours. Often the Alzheimer's patient may wander outside without being properly dressed, they could fall causing injury, or wander into traffic unaware.

The caretaker of an Alzheimer's patient must use the same safety precautions as they would take with a toddler.

Since most wanderings happen at night the caregiver must take precautions to prevent the patient from getting outside. Install locks out of the reach of the patient on all doors especially those to outside entrances. Install handrails on stairways both inside and outside the house and safety latches on the gates if the yard is fenced.

A home alarm system that can be programmed to sound whenever a person exits to the outside would be a good safety device. Check your local telephone director or online sites for more information on available systems. Personal safety devices are an excellent method of monitoring the activities of the Alzheimer's patient.

For example: * Medic Alert + Alzheimer's Association Safe Return®, is a nation wide identification program designed to assist in the return those who wander or are lost.

Many other sources of information are available for the caretaker of an Alzheimer's patient. There are online sites and local support groups. For the more sever cases of Alzheimer's it would be wise to have someone with the patient all the time, the caretaker must have time for resting and doing daily chores.

Invest in locks, latches, and a good alarm system which will offer safety for the patient and allow the caretaker some peace of mind and possibly a good night's sleep.

* Resources: NEUROLOGY NOW, an official publication of the American Academy of Neurology. Website: www.NeurologyNow.com