As our loved ones age, their safety becomes a priority. When elderly parents insist on living independently despite dementia, it can pose unique challenges. However, you can promote their well-being and ensure their safety with the right strategies and support systems.
Most seniors want to live independently for as long as possible. For adult children, this can be concerning if memory or cognition problems are present. Finding a way to allow your senior parents to remain in their homes safely has become a priority for many adult children.
In such a situation, home care services are a great solution. These services allow them to stay at home while they get the help they need. If adult kids know their parents are safe and well-cared for, it can help reduce anxiety.
There are other important approaches too, so let’s look at a few ways to safeguard your elderly parents’ security while respecting their independence.
Ways To Keep Parents with Dementia Safe
Communication and Support
Maintaining open and honest communication is vital when dealing with elderly parents living with dementia. Establish regular check-ins to discuss their well-being, concerns, and any challenges they may be facing. Encourage them to express their desires and preferences and actively listen to their needs.
Stay connected by talking regularly. Respond respectfully and supportively. Give them the time and patience to talk about their feelings and validate them without judgment. To ease their anxiety, offer reassurance and understanding.
Communication with other family members and members of your support network is crucial as well. Doing so reduces the risk of any drama or tension in the future.
Establish a Strong Support Network
Building a reliable support network is crucial to your parents’ safety. Engage family members, friends, and neighbors willing to assist in monitoring their well-being. Consider enlisting the help of a professional caregiver or geriatric care manager who can provide guidance and ensure your parents’ safety needs are met. This support network will help share the responsibility and provide assistance when you are unable to be physically present.
You can also look into technology solutions like home monitoring systems and medical alert systems to keep your parents safe. It will give you peace of mind and help your parents live independently. Additionally, it will reduce the stress and anxiety associated with caring for them. Both you and your parents can benefit from this support network.
Finally, this network can make sure your parents get the care they need. This is particularly important as dementia progresses, as needs are very different in the late stages of the disease compared to near the beginning.
Secure the Living Environment
Take steps to create a safe living environment for your parents. This can include the following:
- Install grab bars in the bathroom to prevent falls and accidents
- Remove potential hazards like loose rugs or furniture that can cause tripping
- Ensure good lighting throughout the house, especially in hallways and staircases
- Consider installing a medical alert system that allows them to call for help in case of emergencies.
- Set up a regular schedule for checking in with them. You might even give them a smartphone or tablet so they can stay connected to family and friends.
- Make sure all medications are clearly labeled and stored properly.
Simplify Daily Routines
Dementia can make it challenging for individuals to remember and perform daily tasks. Simplify their routines by organizing their living space. Label drawers and cabinets to help them find items easily.
Use clocks with large, easy-to-read numbers and set reminders for important activities such as taking medication or attending appointments. Establish a clear and structured daily routine to provide them with a sense of familiarity and stability.
Practice Good Medication Management
Help your parents manage their medications effectively. Create a detailed medication schedule that includes dosage instructions and timings. Using pill organizers to separate and organize medications makes it easier for them to take the right pills at the right time.
You might also use a medication management app for the senior or yourself, to provide alerts about when medications need to be taken.
Consider partnering with a pharmacy that offers automatic prescription refills and delivery services to ensure a consistent supply of medications.
Regularly review the medication list with their healthcare provider to prevent any adverse interactions and overmedication. This is important, as seniors are often taking a large number of medications, including some they may not even need.
Home Safety Measures
Implement various home safety measures to prevent accidents and promote independence, including the following:
- Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the house to ensure early detection of potential dangers.
- Consider using stove knob covers to prevent accidental burns and secure electrical cords from reducing tripping hazards.
- Use non-slip mats in the bathroom and ensure the water heater is set to a safe temperature.
- Regularly check the condition of appliances and electrical systems to minimize the risk of accidents.
Wandering Prevention
Wandering is a common concern among individuals with dementia. Secure the home by installing door alarms or chimes to alert you when doors or windows are opened.
Utilize GPS tracking devices or wearable technology designed specifically for individuals with dementia to locate them if they wander. Consider creating a safe and engaging outdoor space where they can enjoy fresh air and physical activity without the risk of wandering.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Encourage a nutritious diet for your parents to support their overall well-being. Ensure they have easy access to healthy snacks and meals that are easy to prepare or are prepared for them. Consider consulting a nutritionist or geriatrician to create a personalized meal plan that addresses their specific dietary needs and restrictions.
Encourage hydration by providing them with water bottles or cups throughout the day (or even dementia water balls!). Monitor their food intake to ensure they are receiving adequate nutrition.
Cognitive Stimulation
Engaging in cognitive activities can help slow the progression of dementia and improve quality of life. Encourage your parents to participate in puzzles, memory games, or hobbies they enjoy. Provide them with books, magazines, or newspapers to read.
Explore local community centers or senior centers that offer dementia-specific programs and activities, such as art classes or memory enhancement workshops. Engaging in social activities and maintaining social connections can also benefit their cognitive well-being.
However, it’s important to match the level of cognitive stimulation to the senior’s current abilities, as tasks that are too challenging can frustrating. In contrast, tasks that are too simple can be disheartening and may make the senior feel like they’re being coddled.
Regular Medical Check-ups
Schedule regular visits to their healthcare providers to monitor their condition and address any concerns. Stay informed about medical treatments and medications. Ensure that they receive regular vision and hearing check-ups, as sensory impairments can exacerbate dementia challenges.
It’s also important to collaborate with their healthcare team to develop a comprehensive care plan that includes regular cognitive assessments and appropriate interventions. This is important, as seniors with dementia often won’t be able to advocate well for themselves. They may not even be aware of how dementia is affecting them.
Be Aware Of Changes
Finally, pay attention to how the senior’s needs change over time. This is particularly important for dementia patients, as the condition progressively gets worse.
While your aging parent may want to live on their own, there quickly comes a point where they can no longer safely do so. After all, dementia does not just affect memory. The disease also affects a person’s understanding and ability to engage with the world around them.
During the later stages of dementia, a senior may no longer be able to navigate a once familiar house, regardless of how many home safety measures you put in place. At this point, they are likely to need 24/7 support, either at home or in a memory facility.
Conclusion
Ensuring the safety of elderly parents living independently with dementia requires a multifaceted approach. By maintaining open communication, establishing a support network, and implementing various safety measures, you can promote their well-being and provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. Remember, everyone’s situation is unique, so adapt these strategies to suit your parents’ specific needs.
Want to Learn More?
Dementia is a challenging and complex topic. There’s a lot to think about, which is why we have many posts highlighting different aspects of dementia and dementia caregiving. Check them out for more details – or click the link below for recommended books.
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