Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s at home is a journey filled with both warmth and challenge. It’s a process of constant adaptation and learning, where safety and compassion go hand in hand. Over time, people living with Alzheimer’s may lose the ability to manage daily tasks or recognize familiar spaces, and the smallest overlooked detail can sometimes pose the greatest risk.
One afternoon, my friend Linda invited me over to visit her mother. Her mother stood in the kitchen, visibly anxious, staring at the oven. “Is this still hot? Did I forget to turn it off?” she asked, worried. As I turned the dial to off and a little heat escaped, her face relaxed. Linda, standing quietly beside her, exhaled in relief. That moment served as a reminder: when it comes to safety, being proactive—thinking one step ahead—isn’t optional, it’s essential.
The living space is often the first area to assess. As Alzheimer’s progresses, visual perception changes. Stairs can become harder to distinguish, floors and walls blend together. Many caregivers use brightly colored tape on the edges of stairs, helping loved ones clearly see each step.
A family in the UK, after two falls, applied yellow tape to their stair edges; weeks later, their mother could confidently navigate the stairs again. Walls painted in lighter shades and darker flooring create clear contrast, which helps with spatial orientation.
Busy patterns on carpets or wallpaper are avoided to reduce visual confusion. Simple, high-contrast signage or pictograms can be placed on doors to guide the person to the kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom—even when memory fails, symbols can speak.
Kitchens, understandably, are among the riskiest areas. Heat sources, knives, and electrical appliances pose real danger when a person forgets how they function. Some families place small yet visible warning signs near ovens, toasters, or irons—messages like “Stop!” or “Very Hot!” serve as effective deterrents. To go a step further, others install auto shut-off devices on stovetops. One family removed their garbage disposal unit and installed a drain trap to prevent small items from being accidentally flushed down.
A humorous yet practical solution came from a younger family: they stuck textured material to grandpa’s slippers, so when he wandered toward the laundry room, his tracks would guide him back safely. Little interventions like these go a long way.
In the bathroom, slipping hazards abound. While non-slip bath mats are common, many go further by installing grab bars inside the tub or shower—ideally in a color that contrasts with the wall, making them easy to see. High-contrast visual cues make a difference. Raised toilet seats with side rails help with sitting and standing, and adhesive anti-slip decals near the sink, tub, and toilet further prevent falls.
Small electrical items such as hairdryers are stored away, outlets are covered, and even shampoo and lotion bottles are locked up—since they might look like food to someone with cognitive decline. Heating appliances like electric blankets or heating pads are either removed entirely or placed out of reach, since they can cause burns if left unattended.
Lighting is crucial, especially at night. Motion-sensor nightlights placed in hallways and bathrooms gently illuminate paths without being harsh. Furniture with sharp corners is either replaced or cushioned with foam protectors. One household had large sliding glass doors that their loved one would often walk into, thinking it was an open walkway—until they applied bright decals at eye level to mark the barrier. Others choose to remove confusing mirrors altogether, as reflections can sometimes frighten or confuse.
Storage areas pose their own set of risks. Items like medications, alcohol, cleaning products, and even seemingly harmless items like detergent pods are kept locked away. A caregiver in France stored all chemical products in a high cabinet with a child-safety lock and bold warning labels. Medications are placed in lockboxes, administered only under supervision. Some families go toxin-free altogether, swapping harsh cleaners for natural alternatives.
To limit stress and confusion from unexpected visitors, many households post a simple “No Soliciting” sign at the door. Smoke and gas detectors are absolutely essential—and their batteries must be checked regularly. In one instance, a grandmother had lit a candle and forgotten to ventilate the room. Fortunately, a working smoke alarm alerted the family in time. Incidents like this underscore the importance of regular maintenance of safety systems.
A printed list of emergency contacts—doctor, ambulance, poison control, neighbors—should be placed near every phone, along with the home address in large font. During emergencies, a person may not remember their own address or who to call, so having everything clearly visible is vital. The same goes for ensuring walkways are clear—no clutter, no tripping hazards.
One family rearranged their living room, pushing furniture along the walls to create a “safe lane” in the middle. This helped their father walk freely, even if he woke up disoriented in the middle of the night.
In homes with professional or volunteer caregivers, some families invest in basic emergency training. Knowing CPR or the Heimlich maneuver can mean the difference between life and death. Community centers and local Red Cross chapters often offer free or low-cost first aid courses tailored to caregivers. A simple demonstration of how to help a choking person or how to respond to a fall can bring peace of mind and practical preparedness.
Over time, all these small decisions and adjustments combine to create not just a safer space, but a more comforting one. “Safety” isn’t just about locks and latches—it’s about love in action. It’s about making a home where someone living with Alzheimer’s can breathe easily, move about with dignity, and feel protected by the people who care most. In that space, every nightlight, every soft-cornered table, and every careful sign says: You are safe. You are home.