Tips for living with Alzheimer’s disease.

Living with Alzheimer’s disease can feel overwhelming for both patients and their families. The emotional, financial and physical effects can be scary and frustrating. That’s why it’s important to get educated about Alzheimer’s disease and rely on people to support you.

Making sure the space you live in is safe and supportive is vital. Keeping yourself safe depends on your symptoms and what stage of Alzheimer’s disease you are in.

Things to consider for your safety and review with your care team:

• Keep things like your keys, wallet and phone in the same place at home
• Plan for the help you’ll need to get groceries, make meals and get to and from appointments. Over time, you may no longer be able to drive.
• Enable location tracking on your phone
• Reduce clutter in your home
• Keep track of your appointments with a calendar or whiteboard
• Transfer your bills to autopay and set up deposits for regular checks
• Install handrails on the stairs and in the bathroom
• Set up your emergency and other key contacts into your phone
• Buy an ID or medical alert bracelet that says you have Alzheimer’s disease
• Put nonskid strips on wood and tile floors and in the bathtub. Get rid of throw rugs.
• Stay as active as possible
• Eat healthy
• Have a system for taking your medications
• Go to your appointments with someone you trust
• Consider joining a support group
• Research available community resources

As the disease progresses, you’ll need help from other people to keep you safe. Here are some things to consider:

• Install alarm sensors on doors and windows
  
• Clear out mirrors. Images in mirrors may be scary or confusing to Alzheimer’s disease patients.
• Unplug the microwave and stove
• Secure electrical appliances
• Set the water heater to less than 120°F
• Put a decal or sticker on windows and doors to avoid bumping into them
• Put a list of emergency contacts, key phone numbers and your medications on the fridge
• Reach out to resources in the community

Home safety precautions can help patients with Alzheimer’s disease stay independent for as long as possible. It can also relieve some of the stress of caregiving. Talk to your care team or a support group for more ideas.