Staying at Home for People with Alzheimer's
Q.
Dear Adia,
My mother was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's. She is 81 years old and lives alone in Palos Verdes Estates. When I learned of the diagnosis, I immediately went into "research mode." I found a great book entitled The 36-Hour Day and watched a few highly recommended films: Savages and Away From Her. 
Both films were a huge eye-opener into the reality of living at an Alzheimer's facility - quite troubling to watch. In the end, the films convinced me to do everything in my power to keep my mom at home. The thought of her living like a "room mate" with strangers and ultimately, being moved to the "progressive unit" for those with advanced Alzheimer's is more worrisome to me. It's like you're on another planet! I hugely respect all the good efforts to make the person feel comfortable and safe at Alzheimer facilities, but home is always the best place. After watching these movies, I feel "no one" or "no place" can carbon copy the home environment in which my mom cooked, laughed, decorated and raised her kids. Home is home. For this reason, I am determined to modify my mom's home to be "Alzheimer's friendly." I need help to understand how to modify her home ensuring she is safe, comfortable and.happy as best as possible.
Thanks,
Mr. Extreme MakeOver Home Edition
A.
Dear Mr. Extreme MakeOver Home Edition,
There are stages of changing or adjusting the home environment of a person with Alzheimer's. Factors in the physical environment, such as lighting, color or noise, can significantly impact the behavior of a person with Alzheimer's. Making changes and adjustments to the home environment can help make activities of daily living easier, more enjoyable and safer for the person with Alzheimer's. Equally important, changes to the home environment can reduce specific high-risk symptoms, such as wandering and getting lost. Research demonstrates that when the physical environment of people with Alzheimer's are specially designed to support their abilities, they are able to remain more independently and socially engaged, have fewer delusions, combative outbreaks as well as experience less anxiety.
There are many home modifications which have shown to be beneficial in reducing certain problematic behaviors in people with Alzheimer's:
- Buy a phone with large numbers and speed-dial with pictures of family / friends
- Adjust the lights to have low levels of light during meals
- Minimize clutter throughout the home
- Use sturdy furniture that does not tip and remove furniture with corners
- Remove fake fruit and other "look-a-like" decorations like magnets
- Play consistent background noise like the person's favorite music or sounds
- Place objects such as photographs, mementoes and familiar furniture in clear view
- Use appliances that shut off automatically, setting timers or alarms to remind one that something is cooking or that it's time to take medicine
- Post notes and lists to organize activities every day of the week
- Post emergency phone numbers next to the phone
- Hide extra set of car keys
- Place decals on glass from preventing the person from walking into the glass
- Check gas appliances ensuring the pilot lights are working properly
- Mark smoke detectors and fire extinguishers with clear instructions
- Remove toxic or poisonous items, such as cleaning solutions, bleach, drain opener and prescription medicines, should be kept in a safe place to prevent accidental ingestion.
- Install handrails throughout the home, grab bars, non-skid mats and shower chair in the shower in the bathroom
- If wandering is a problem, install alarms or locks on doors. There are various programs available that provide identity bracelets for people with Alzheimer's, so that if they do wander from home or work, they may be returned safely.
- Hire a professional caregiver to stay with the person 24 hours a day to prevent wandering and becoming endangered. Additionally, the professional caregiver can facilitate consistent plans and schedules for exercise and social activities, both of which are key in still sustaining a safe and comfortable life at .home.
Each person with Alzheimer's is different. Researching ALL housing options is important, including the option of staying at home. Make the best decision based on a wide range of options and factors such as costs, stage of the disease, management, home care services, support system, home modification options and family circumstances.
Yours Truly,
Adia LLC
www.adiacares.com