Harford The Caregiver's Toolkit

21 / 78

T H E C A R E G I V E R ’ S T O O L K I T 21
CHAPTER 2
DEMENTIA & SAFETY
• Store sharp objects and toxic substances
out of the person’s reach.
• Develop a reminder system for medications.
If a person lives alone, they may forget to
take their medications. Use a medication
organizer or unit dose packs, write
notes or call at medication times.
• Keep daily routines as consistent as possible.
• Plan a predictable schedule for
meal, bath and bed times.
• Simple activities like dressing or brushing teeth
PD\ EHFRPH GLIILFXOW %UHDN DFWLYLWLHV LQWR VPDOO
steps and give verbal instructions, one at a time.
• Gently redirect the person if he or she becomes
upset. You may be able to distract the person
by taking a walk or offering a favorite activity.
• If the person can no longer cook, consider
Meals on Wheels or hire someone
to help with meal preparation.
• Use safety gates and lock doors to
rooms that can be dangerous.
• Close supervision is required for
people who wander outside the home.
Obtain an identification bracelet from
WKH $O]KHLPHU¶V $VVRFLDWLRQ¶V 6DIH
Return Program, 1-800-443-2273.
• Write down appointments and other events
on a large calendar, and keep a log of visits
from family and other helpers. This can
then be reviewed with your loved one.
• Report significant changes in behavior to the
doctor. These may indicate health problems
which the person cannot communicate.
Safety Tips:
Forgetfulness or Something More? (continued)
Harford County Department
of Community Services
2I¿FH 2Q $JLQJ
Helpful Links: