As we recognize Alzheimer’s Awareness Month this June, it’s critical for the Black community to reflect, educate ourselves, and take action. It can no longer be business as usual. As Black Americans, we can achieve anything we set our hearts to.
If you are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, one of the most powerful things you can do is create a safe, supportive environment. This should remain a constant priority—an act of love rooted in intention and attentiveness.
As a caregiver, the safety of people with Alzheimer’s should always come first to your heart. While the home is often seen as a place of comfort, it can also become a place of risk when memory loss, disorientation, and confusion being to set in.
Thankfully, with a bit of adjustment here and there, the home can once again become a secure and calming space where our loved ones can live with dignity and more independence. In this article, I’ll share five practical, budget friendly steps to help keep the home safe for someone with Alzheimer’s.
Caregiving for an individual with Alzheimer’s doesn’t have to always be dreadful. Creating a safer home that provides comfort and protection can improve your daily living and that of the one you care for. As we observe Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, use this opportunity to prioritize safety, one room at a time.
Remember, Alzheimer’s caregivers are heroes. You are not alone!
To learn more:
- Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures
- Study Shows African Americans and Hispanics Have Greater Vulnerability to Alzheimer’s Because of Vascular Risks and Socioeconomic Factors. https://news.med.miami.edu/study-shows-african-americans-and-hispanics-have-greater-vulnerability-to-alzheimers-because-of-vascular-risks-socioeconomic-factors/
- Minimizing Clutter for Alzheimer’s. https://alzheimersdisease.net/living/minimizing-clutter
- Wandering in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. https://www.upmc.com/services/seniors/resources-for-caregivers/wandering-tendencies-patients-alzheimers-dementia
- Bathroom Dangers: How to Spot Them and What to Do. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ss/slideshow-bathroom-dangers
- Alzheimer’s Caregiving Tips: Rummaging and Hiding Things. https://www.bu.edu/alzresearch/files/2010/03/alzheimers_caregiving_tips_rummaging_and_hiding_things_0.pdf
- The Importance of Routine and Familiarity to Persons with Dementia. https://alzheimersproject.org/the-importance-of-routine-and-familiarity-to-persons-with-dementia/
- Behavior & Personality Changes. https://memory.ucsf.edu/caregiving-support/behavior-personality-changes
