Alzheimer's Disease and Safety Room-by-Room (Cont.)

Kitchen

• Install childproof door latches on storage cabinets and drawers designated for breakable or dangerous items. Lock away all household cleaning products, matches, knives, scissors, blades, small appliances, and valued china.

• If prescription or nonprescription drugs are kept in the kitchen, store them in a locked cabinet.

• Remove scatter rugs and foam pads from the floor.

• Remove knobs from the stove, or install an automatic shut-off switch.

• Do not use or store flammable liquids in the kitchen. Lock them in the garage or in an outside storage unit.

• Keep a night-light in the kitchen.

• Remove or secure the family "junk drawer." A person with Alzheimer's disease may eat small items such as matches, hardware, erasers, plastics, etc.

• Remove artificial fruits and vegetables or food-shaped kitchen magnets, which might appear to be edible.

• Insert a drain trap in the kitchen sink to catch anything that may otherwise become lost or clog the plumbing.

• Consider dismantling the garbage disposal. People with Alzheimer's disease may place objects or their own hands in the disposal.

Bedroom

• Use a night-light.

• Use an intercom device (often used for infants) to alert you to any noises indicating falls or a need for help. This also is an effective device for bathrooms.

• Remove scatter rugs.

• Remove portable space heaters. If you use portable fans, be sure that objects cannot be placed in the blades.

• Be cautious when using electric mattress pads, electric blankets, electric sheets, and heating pads, all of which may cause burns. Keep controls out of reach.