Keep seniors with dementia safe at home

[Naveed Yaseen]

If a loved one with dementia is living at home with supervision, it’s still important to eliminate potential dangers.

The Alzheimer’s Association offers these suggestions:

* Make sure the house is equipped with working fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors.

* Keep all hazardous areas locked or blocked, such as the garage or stairs.

* Make sure that locks are installed in places that are difficult to reach, such as up high or down low. At the same time, remove locks from bathroom and bedroom doors, to prevent the person from becoming trapped inside.

* Keep hazardous materials — such as medications, household chemicals and knives — securely locked and out of reach.

* Make sure appliances have an automatic shut-off feature, and remove burner knobs from the stove.

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