How to Keep loved Ones With Dementia Safe
There are millions of people who have dementia around the world. Having no cure, patients with dementia have to rely on medical treatments that try to alleviate the symptoms. If your loved one has the disease, you need to assign a caregiver to them that will try to enhance their quality of life.
It is not an easy task for a caregiver. Since the cognitive, functional and physical abilities of the patient diminish over time. As the caregiver, it can be a long stressful and emotional journey. You are at risk of attaining health problems due to stress and burn out. Still, you have to make sure that you maintain the safety of the patient at all times.
As the stages of dementia continue to progress, your loved one may experience moments of absent-mindedness, they may lose their senses and with time even forget how to do simple tasks. There are serious safety concerns that arise from dementia patients. Your loved one may light the gas to prepare a meal and forget that they had turned it on, creating a fire risk.
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Learn how to approach your loved one on matters about safety
Significant fear of a dementia patient is losing the free will to make decisions. It is no surprise to find them resisting any change that they have no control over. It is therefore essential to find ways to include them in the conversation of how to handle their safety. You can engage your loved one about their safety and how they would like certain situations to be treated if it becomes a problem. You will also be comfortable knowing that you are handling matters according to their desires.
Preventing them from wondering
Your loved one may be prone to wondering when they have dementia. Having them walk outside alone may not be a good idea. To protect them from such instances, you can have them always carry a purse or wallet with a card indicating that they are a dementia patient, together with your contact information or that of your doctor.
If they have late-stage dementia, ensure that you avoid placing your car keys in places that are of reach, or find engaging activities they can do to prevent them from walking outside. Ensure that you lock doors that may lead to indoor water features or a pool in the back yard.
You may consider setting them up with a GPS device to monitor their locations at all times carefully. If they are using a walking aid, you can attach the device on the walking aid
Once you take measures to ensure that your loved one is safe both indoors and outdoors, you can have greater peace of mind.