Got a Loved one with Alzheimers? Ways to prevent falls

by Melissa
(California)

I had to share with you all some things that might help you with your loved one to prevent falls from happening or some serious spills.

Did you know that a rubber floor mat that is dark in color is placed in front of a door to prevent the person with Alzheimer's from trying to get out? The dark color apparently appears to them like a black hole they could fall in so they stay clear of wherever this is placed.

We have seen this again and again at the retirement inn where our loved one is residing with late stage Alzheimer's.

Along with all the other great tips this website offers on fall prevention, try investing in some rubber padded underwear for your wobbly loved one. The extra padding offered is around their hip area to prevent the damage from a serious fall. It could save their life!

Above all, if your loved one is still walking make sure they have socks and proper slippers or shoes that are not cumbersome as in the late stages of Alzheimer's the gait changes to a shuffle as they start to lose their mobility.

This is when falls occur most often and they should be supervised whenever they are walking anywhere.

Another tip, put a bench that is easy to sit down on and offers them greater ease in dressing and undressing each day. Falls occur often when an elderly person is simply trying to change their clothes.

On a side note, not to do with falling. Get rid of the TV if your loved one no longer likes or wants to watch it. They perceive the dark screen as something evil or like a black hole, similar to the rubber mat.

We noticed this was a fear with our loved one and as soon as we hauled it away she was fine. Also, remember in their world they think things they see on TV are real and really are happening.

Just wanted to share these with you.
May your journey be short and your memories be long.

EDITORS NOTE: Thank you very much for the tips!