Dementia care: Dementia and concerns about safety

People with dementia often lose their ability to recognise hazards in the environment. It can be a constant worry for a carer trying to keep a loved one with dementia safe and out of harm's way.

For people living with dementia poor sense of judgement can lead to an inability to recognise hazardous items. Modifying the environment can help increase safety and security for people with dementia. It can also make a carer's job easier.

People with dementia like familiar environments and routine. It is important that carers don't make any radical changes at once. Altering the position of furniture or removing familiar objects can often increase confusion and disorientate the person even more.

 In the later stages of dementia a person may forget how to use familiar appliances and equipment. Modify the home environment only as it becomes a problem for the person with dementia. 

Tips for dementia and maintaining safety at home 

• Ensure a safe environment by blocking access to unsafe areas such as the garage or garden shed
   
• Keep medications and dangerous substances locked up
   
• Use automatic cut off switches for appliances such as irons and jugs
   
• Install night lights in the bedroom, bathroom and hallway
   
• Ensure stairs are not slippery and have handrails
   
• Regulate temperature on hot water taps
   
• List all contact emergency numbers in large type next to the phone
   
• Use handrails in the bathroom and toilet
   
• Keep cords and loose rugs tucked away to avoid trips
   
• Use child locks for kitchen cupboards
   
• Use safety switches
   
• Label appliances and highlight on / off buttons
   
• Install a smoke alarm
   
• Lock up any dangerous tools or equipment
   
• Hide car keys
   
• Use visual cues such as signs on bathroom and bedroom doors to orientate a person to a room
   
• Use sensor door alarms or chimes that alarm when a door is opened to alert a carer

Helpful resources

• Call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 a free service for people living with dementia their carers and family members. 
• Visit Alzheimer's Australia for information about dementia and help with caring for someone living with dementia. 

Related articles

• Dementia care: Managing changes in behaviour
• Dementia care: Wandering and safety
• Bathroom safety: How to make the bathroom safe for showering
• What is a personal alarm call system?
• What to do when someone falls?