When a family member or friend is traveling we wait for the call when the loved one says, “I’m home, safe and sound.”  We are relieved.  But in some cases, being home does not always assure safety.  In fact the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that annually approximately 1,000,000 people over age 65 are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries occurring in their own home.  The death rate for elderly people from such injuries is about three times greater than for younger people.  Imagine how these figures might increase when the dementia factor is included.

Our family experienced the trauma of our mother’s incident with a faulty electrical outlet.  Her caregiver had allowed her to go upstairs to an “all purpose” room to plunder.  She liked to look through “stuff” that had accumulated in the room, things not actually needed or useable, but too emotionally important to destroy. Her grow lamp (for plants) fell into this category.  While the caregiver watched for mother to abandon her exploration and descend the stairs, the unthinkable thing happened.  The caregiver saw a flash of light, smelled smoke, and heard a thud – then silence.  In a matter of seconds the caregiver bounded up the stairs.  Mother was on the floor; the wall was sooty and black with smoke; and a broken, corroded lamp plug she had disengaged was lying near the outlet.  Total devastation was avoided.  Mother’s broken wrist was not. 

If a loved one with dementia is still in the home, with or without a caregiver, attention to conditions and products that are commonplace may divert catastrophe.  It is wise to have an expert thoroughly assess the home, and then to keep a checklist handy to monitor environmental hazards.  Following is a list of concerns, but I do not pretend that it is comprehensive. The list is close to our own experience.

·         Examine everything electrical.  This includes being sure cords are not under carpets or furniture, nor across walking areas.  And I would insist that cords, plugs, and outlets be carefully examined for splits, cracks, corrosion, and overloads (especially extension cords).  Keep small appliances away from locations from which they could fall into water. Outlets equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters are important.

·         Follow strictly all instructions regarding smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, space heaters, and all heating and cooking systems and appliances.  Keep any flammable material away from heaters and/or ranges/ovens. This includes pot holders, towels, curtains, and decorative items. 

·         Review all rugs, carpets, and mats to assure non-slippage. Backing material disintegrates over time, and carpets may loosen and create puckers or humps.

·         Keep all products potentially poisonous, toxic, or flammable in a place separate from often used, less dangerous, but similar looking containers. 

·         Be aware that loose fitting, long-sleeved clothing is often the dress of choice by the elderly.  Take care that such garments do not tangle with an open flame or catch on a boiling pot handle. Try elastic bands, pins, etc. when sleeves are baggy. 

·         Climbing is generally a negative for the elderly.  If occasional “stepping up” is necessary, be sure it is on a stool that has a hand rail, fully opened, and tight.  I recommend “no climbing without a friend nearby,” and then no more than two steps. 

·         Improve lighting in areas where the loved one does business: over/under sinks, medicine cabinets, stove, night stands; in hallways, heavily used walking areas; and all exits and entrances. 

·         Install grab bars, nonskid material, and higher commodes in bathrooms. 

·         Develop a system for administering medication that includes: an organizer, clear labeling, and a current prescription. 

·         And just to be sure you are prepared if your good efforts aren’t enough, have an emergency plan.  It should include more than one exit route as well as emergency numbers posted in more than one place for a friend/neighbor/or family member, ambulance, fire, police and poison control.  Of course, 911 can be the first order in any event.

If you need help finding someone to check out your safety situation, go to www.inspectorlocator.com for an inspector in your community.  We need to be able to say “Home, safe and sound.”