When you and your family receive a dementia or Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, it can be overwhelming. However, it is important to remember that disease progression will look different for everyone and that you have choices available to you when it comes to your care. Creating a plan that incorporates your wishes can bring great comfort to an evolving situation. For many people, planning to stay in their own homes for as long as possible is a top priority. With the right support, this can be a good strategy, as there are many benefits to obtaining memory care in your own home.
Familiar Surroundings with Extra Safety Measures
The benefits of surrounding yourself with well-known layouts and objects can be particularly important, especially early on. It is not as easy as simply staying put, however. You and your family will need to make adjustments to ensure your home remains safe without creating a restrictive environment.
While there are many other things to consider, here are 6 important safety improvements you can take.
- Installing new smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. New styles provide clearly spoken warnings, which can help rouse a person from sleep and help them understand what is happening.
- Reduce the hot water tank temperature to 120 degrees or less. This temperature is still warm enough for comfort but below the threshold for scalding or burn injuries.
- Reduce the amount of furniture and remove area rugs. This helps prevent tripping accidents and creates more space to walk safely.
- Change out complex wallpaper patterns and heavily patterned furniture. Replacing both with calming solid colors can help prevent disorientation.
Improve lighting conditions. Consider having some light switches adapted to always remain ‘on’ so that there is visibility in each room. Also, in the event of a power outage, keep hallways, stairways and bathrooms well-lit at all times by installing automatic nightlights. - Install a walk-in shower and other accessible home features. To help prevent falls and aid in stability, walk-in showers with grab bars, handrails in different areas of the home and even chair lifts can reduce anxiety.
- Protect your mental well-being. Visits from an in-home memory care team member can stave off loneliness and maintain a social network.
Prevent Social Isolation with In-Home Care
Staying in your home means protecting your physical needs, but it is also important to ensure your social needs are also met. In-home care services can assist with your activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing and medication. However, for the best quality of life, social care is also crucial.
Massage therapy can offer the comfort of physical touch. Life engagement services can provide art therapy, recreational therapy and social visits to ensure your overall well-being. Ongoing social connections play a key role in lifting your mood, keeping you engaged with your favorite activities and helping you stay in your home.
To discuss your or your loved one’s in-home memory care options, contact Gianna Homes today.