The Natl. Institutes of Aging/Health (nia.nih.gov) has tips on creating a safer environment for an Alzheimers patient that wanders. This is also the focus of the July 24 support group meeting at 1:30 pm in the St. Joseph-Breese HealthPlex. Contact 526-5699 or [email protected] for meeting details. Among the suggestions: -Place door locks out of direct sight, and consider double locks that require a key; -Use loose-fitting doorknob covers; -Install safety devices on windows to limit opening; -Secure the yard with fencing and a locked gate; -Use bells or devices that ring when the knob is touched or the door opened; -Divert attention by using posters, removable gates, curtains or streamers or the door or wallpapering the door to match adjoining walls; -Keep shoes, keys, suitcases, coats, hats or other signs of departure out of sight; -Place STOP, DO NOT ENTER or CLOSED signs on doors; -Have the patient wear a medical ID bracelet with ‘memory loss” and contact information; -Check with the Alzheimer’s Assoc. about the Safe Return program; -Attach ID labels in garments; -Keep an article of unwashed clothing in a plastic bag in case a K-9 unit is used; -Ask the neighbors to contact you or the police if the person is seen alone; and -Give local police, neighbors and relatives a recent photo and/or an up-to-date home video of the person with identification information and keep extra copies on hand.
Posted on: Wed, 23 Jul 2014 11:00:00 +0000
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