Finances may be a barrier to moving a family member with dementia into an assited living facility. Here are some tips on how to help protect family members who remain in their homes:
-Have a family member take responsibility for banking and bills.
-Have deposits and as many regular expenses - such as utility bills - automated.
-Review finances regularly to prevent fraud and identity theft.
-Arrange for someone to visit every day.
-Register with MedicAlert, Lifeline, Safe Return or Project Lifesaver, because many people with dementia are at risk of falling or wandering from home.
-A cell phone with GPS may also be helpful.
-Remove unnecessary applicances that could be dangerous, such as shredders and blenders.
-Also remove guns, knives, power tools.
-Buy non-toxic cleaning supplies or lock them away for supervised use only.
-Put timers on burners of oven, which will automatically turn off.
-Some coffee makers, kettles, toaster ovens and irons also have timers that turn off the appliance automatically.
-Lower temperature of hot water heater to protect against scalding. There are also anti-scalding devices that can be installed.
-Install a 24-hour emergency call system.
-Decide when driving is not a safe option, and either remove the car or install a kill switch.
-Arrange for other transportation.
-Safety bars - such as grab bars in the shower and in hallways - can lower the risk of falling during confusion.
-Arrange for in-home help for housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, and companionship.
-Simplify choices by reducing options in the closet, kitchen and refrigerator. Meals on Wheels or other home-delivered meal programs can provide food as well as regular contact with the outside world.
-Medication can be monitored through time-release dispensers, alarms or telephone calls.
-Gadgets such as phones with photos to press to call family members, and pill dispensers are available at The Alzheimer's Store, www.alzstore.com.
-Be sure the house has good lighting, and reduce confusing reflective surfaces. Shadowy areas and reflections can lead to falls, confusion and stress.
-Remove clutter in walkways and rugs that could cause trips.
-Arrange for social activities with family and friends, agencies that provide companionship services, faith-based activities to provide stimulation and monitoring.
Source: Alzheimer's Association Southeastern Virginia Chapter, Alzheimer's Society
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