By Lydia Chan, Alzheimer’s Caregiver Network
Living with Alzheimer’s is a challenge. Not only is your memory affected, but often, Alzheimer’s can cause an unstable emotional state. Having loved ones nearby and being in an environment that offers a sense of familiarity can help to bring peace to those who live with the condition. If you’re planning to move a loved one with Alzheimer’s into your home, it’s important to make your home less dangerous for your loved one. This means there will be a need to alter and remodel your home to make their life as easy and safe as possible.
The Bathroom
Depending on the stage of your loved one’s disease, you may need only a few additions or a complete overhaul. For example, the average cost to remodel a bathroom is $8,820; however, if your loved one still has decent mobility, you may only need to install a few handle bars for stability. Unfortunately, as their condition persists, bathing is going to become more and more difficult and hazardous. Because this is one area where compromise will be tricky, considering an update to improve overall accessibility is highly recommended.
The Bedroom
You want your loved one to feel comfortable and safe, especially in their own bedroom. As spatial awareness becomes more limited with age, having patterns can jar and disorient our loved ones. So consider replacing any fabric with jarring patterns with fabrics that are monochrome. Contrast colors so your loved one can easily tell the difference between comforter, carpet, chairs and doorways. You will also wants fabrics that are easy to clean. Spills and accidents are going to happen, and to make both your lives easier, having furniture and sheets you can easily clean will be extra helpful. Heavy curtains can help to dim noises from the outside, which can also help your family member stay calm.
The Light Fixtures
Having plentiful, even lighting can be very important to someone with Alzheimer’s. Shadows can confuse or frighten them, and their vision is often more limited. Recessed lighting is a fantastic solution as it creates minimal shadowing while also providing level coverage. Make sure you have lights for night usage as well, and that pathways from the bedroom to the bathroom are visibly lit.
The Living Area
This will likely require minimal changes. You need to focus on keeping pathways clean and clear to avoid tripping as your loved one’s balance may suffer. Remove rugs, footstools, stray wires, anything that your loved one could accidentally overlook and trip on. If there are things that just can’t be moved, such as wires to lights or a bit of carpet that is coming up, make sure you tack these things down securely so shuffling feet don’t get caught.
The Stairway
If you have stairs in your home, this can make your loved one’s life more difficult. There are some solutions, however, to the problem of balance and difficulty of moving. Handrails for additional stability are good if your loved one just needs a little help, but if your loved one uses a wheelchair, or simply can’t manage the stairs, a chairlift is a decently priced alternative to an elevator.
This is by no means a comprehensive list. There are so many other things you will need to do to make your home safe, like locking up dangerous items such as medicine and kitchen knives. Speak to your loved one’s specialist on what you may need to do to keep them safe and sound at home. This is a new chapter of life, and while it is going to be a challenge, you can take comfort in knowing you’re giving your loved one the best care and home they deserve.
