Book: Caring in a Safe Environment

1. Introduction

In this Topic we will look at Safety at Home.

By the end of the Topic you will have had an opportunity to:

• recognise safety issues in the home and how they can be addressed
• develop strategies to maintain independence and safety in the home
• discuss the applicability and use of assistive technology and aids available to support home care

2. Overview

As you know from earlier topics, dementia affects memory, judgement and  insight. The mobility of your loved one with dementia may decrease over time leading to difficulties with co ordination and balance. These can all lead to safety issues which we will now look at in greater detail.

Take a look at this video which was made by The Alzheimer Society in the UK.

3. Dementia and Safety at Home

How safe is your home or caring environment?

Think about the different areas of the care environment - the bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and stairs.

4. The Home Environment

Take a look at this short video presentation on reducing risk and promoting safety in your caring environment.

This video is available to view at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsgjg28zWsY

5. Moving and Handling

As dementia progresses, your loved one's mobility may become restricted.

In certain situations it may be necessary to lift or support them, or to help them walk.

Remember, avoid lifting heavy loads where at all possible.

However, if you cannot avoid lifting or moving your loved one -

Remember TILE - the four principles of safe moving and lifting:

Task - Assess the Task at Hand and what is involved

Individual - Be aware of your own strengths and limitations

Load - How heavy is it? How easy is it to grip and move?

Environment - Is the environment safe, dry, level?

6. Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology can help minimise risk and thus promote safety at home.

Please see below, information on Memory Technology Libraries 

https://www.understandtogether.ie/training-resources/helpful-resources/memory-assistive-technologies/

https://alzheimer.ie/get-support/equipment-adaptions-and-technology/assistive-technology-memory-libraries-in-ireland/

7. Pause and Reflect

Think about the materials and videos in this topic on Safety in the Home.

• Have you learned anything new from them?
• How could you use this new knowledge to improve safety in your loved one's home?
• Are there particular rooms / spaces or issues that you are concerned about?

Share these with your colleagues in the Maintaining our safety forum. Thank you.

8. Summary

In this section we have examined issues around safety in the caring environment.

Thank you for your feedback and tips.

You may like to complete the optional activity Week 5: Care Delivery Action Plan.

This can help you focus on how you can improve your own particular caring situation.

And please complete the Feedback: Week 5 activity. Thank you.