LOCAL ADVICE FROM A LOCAL EXPERT Q: How do I create a safer home environment for my family member who suffers from Alzheimers? 2022 EEST OF THE WESTERN EDGE Brandon Locker Building Services A: Alzheimers can cause your loved one to experience changes in their brain or body that may affect their safety. These changes can include: Judgment, sense of time and space, behavior, physical ability and senses. The first thing I advise you to do is to evaluate their environment. Look for any potential hazards they may encounter. An example would be appliances, even though they may have used them their entire life, decreased cognitive ability can cause them to forget how to properly use them in a safe manner. Consider removing any unnecessary appliances or making them safer by limiting access to certain controls. Make sure all safety devices are in proper working order. This would include smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and any locks to areas you need to remain secured. Clear all pathways of clutter and any potential trip hazards like extension cords and throw rugs. I would also advise you to remove all firearms from accessible areas and make sure they are made safe and secure if left in the home. Last but definitely not least, please locate and secure all chemicals and medications in the home. It is important to gather all medications, even over the counter substances due to the fact that an overdose can occur if not used according to directions. Remember that this is just a starter list and there will be many more things you might identify as potential hazards as you go through these items. As the disease progresses you will have to adjust the environment as needed. This may seem a bit overwhelming but you are not alone. Many experts are out their to help you with safeguarding your loved ones and information is available online through the alzheimer's association at alz.org. Voted Best Senior Care & Best Place to Work Availability is limited Manager Country House Residence Dickinson, ND COUNTRY HOUSE RESIDENCE for memory care by Agemark Senior Living 628 24th Street West Dickinson, ND 58601 Please call 701-483-2266 for more information, or email Amanda Wilson awilson@countryhouse.net LOCAL ADVICE FROM A LOCAL EXPERT Q : How do I create a safer home environment for my family member who suffers from Alzheimers ? 2022 EEST OF THE WESTERN EDGE Brandon Locker Building Services A : Alzheimers can cause your loved one to experience changes in their brain or body that may affect their safety . These changes can include : Judgment , sense of time and space , behavior , physical ability and senses . The first thing I advise you to do is to evaluate their environment . Look for any potential hazards they may encounter . An example would be appliances , even though they may have used them their entire life , decreased cognitive ability can cause them to forget how to properly use them in a safe manner . Consider removing any unnecessary appliances or making them safer by limiting access to certain controls . Make sure all safety devices are in proper working order . This would include smoke detectors , carbon monoxide detectors and any locks to areas you need to remain secured . Clear all pathways of clutter and any potential trip hazards like extension cords and throw rugs . I would also advise you to remove all firearms from accessible areas and make sure they are made safe and secure if left in the home . Last but definitely not least , please locate and secure all chemicals and medications in the home . It is important to gather all medications , even over the counter substances due to the fact that an overdose can occur if not used according to directions . Remember that this is just a starter list and there will be many more things you might identify as potential hazards as you go through these items . As the disease progresses you will have to adjust the environment as needed . This may seem a bit overwhelming but you are not alone . Many experts are out their to help you with safeguarding your loved ones and information is available online through the alzheimer's association at alz.org . Voted Best Senior Care & Best Place to Work Availability is limited Manager Country House Residence Dickinson , ND COUNTRY HOUSE RESIDENCE for memory care by Agemark Senior Living 628 24th Street West Dickinson , ND 58601 Please call 701-483-2266 for more information , or email Amanda Wilson awilson@countryhouse.net