| Every care giver who lives with a person suffering | | | | It may be difficult for care givers to remember that |
| from Alzheimer's disease faces the same dilemma. | | | | even people with confusion still have their rights and |
| How much risk should their loved one be exposed | | | | the right not to be treated as a prisoner in their |
| to? | | | | home is one of the risks that should be discussed. |
| While their first reaction may be to wrap them up in | | | | There are some simple common sense measures |
| cotton wool as soon as symptoms start to appear it | | | | that can be taken to reduce risks in the home while |
| could be the wrong thing to do as it is important that | | | | always being mindful of the upset that moving a |
| the routine of that person is disrupted as little as | | | | person's belongings can cause. Homes should be |
| possible especially in the first stages when it's all new | | | | warm and well lit and any very hot surfaces such as |
| and frightening. | | | | fires and radiators should be adequately covered or |
| This becomes increasingly important as the disease | | | | protected. |
| progresses, as a stable familiar routine can help the | | | | Floors should be kept free from all slip or trip hazards |
| Alzheimer's sufferer to be independent for as long as | | | | with worn or loose carpets replaced or repaired |
| possible. | | | | where possible. Walking areas need to be kept |
| It's only natural that care givers feel a responsibility | | | | uncluttered and clear and the patient's shoes and |
| towards their charge and want the sufferer to be | | | | slippers must fit well. Windows and doors should be |
| kept in as safe an environment as possible. It may be | | | | fitted with sturdy locks and stairs need safe and |
| too easy to let fear of accidents stop them making | | | | secure banisters. All appliances considered dangerous |
| a cup of tea or a simple meal or be very difficult to | | | | and unsuitable for use by the Alzheimer's sufferer |
| let them go for a walk on their own. | | | | could be disconnected. |
| Although there are no ideal solutions to this problem, | | | | Finally, it is important is keep medication closely |
| care givers and friends can and should seek advice | | | | supervised as its very easy for a patient who is |
| from relevant health care professionals about what | | | | confused and made forgetful by Alzheimer's disease |
| type of minimum risks are sensible to allow the | | | | to forget that they have had their medication, and |
| Alzheimer's sufferer to take. | | | | take it again repeatedly. |