Is it Safe to Leave Someone with Alzheimer's Alone?

What to consider when you loved one with Alzheimer's disease is home alone. 

Wandering

Will they stay at home or wander off? Is there a nearby store or coffee shop they like to visit? If you are concerned with wandering, consider double locks with a key, ID bracelets, and wandering registries. 

Do they know how to reach you and emergency assistance? 

Keeping emergency numbers such as family contact information and 911 beside each phone is an obvious and bolded format is important if anything should happen. 

Rummaging or hiding of household items

It is best to lock up all toxic and hazardous products and medications in a secure place. You may also wish to simplify the home by removing clutter and valuable items that may be hidden, lost or misplaced by a person with AD. Provide them with their own "safe box" or treasure chest to store objects.

Do they show signs of agitation, depression or withdrawal if left alone?

Being left alone may increase the stress experienced by a person with AD. Once agitated they may cause damage to themselves or the home, may leave. It may be challenging to calm them down once you return. 

Can they recognize dangerous situations? 

Can they identify signals such as smoke or fire alarms that would alert them of potential dangers? if they cannot recognize dangerous situations they may cause harm to themselves or others and are most likely unsafe to be left alone. 

Do they have frequent life-threatening health emergencies? 

Consider whether they have a history of heart attacks, strokes or seizures. Leaving them home alone, especially if it may cause them stress, may increase their risk of a health emergency. Carrying an emergency response button may help if they recognize it's use in a crisis situation.

Hallucinations, Illusions and Delusions

Due to complex changes in the brain, people with AD may see or hear things that have no basis in reality. Medical therapy and home adaptations may help to reduce their occurrence (soft lighting, clean area, familiar items). However there are serious risks to leaving them alone. 

Do they attempt to use the stove or other appliances unattended? 

You will need to evaluate the safety of leaving them home alone if they regularly attempt to use the stove, appliance, repair, woodworking tools or other former hobbies and activities. 

Do they have keys and access to a vehicle? 

Unfortunately, a person with AD loses independence, which is very frustrating. If they cannot follow the safety hazards enough to drive alone it may be best to hide the keys and remove the vehicle from sight. 

Follow-up plan

Write down Doctors and Social Workers contact information, as well as follow up appointment dates and times. Make sure you have all needed instructions for follow-up care such as rehab exercises and diet, when preparing to leave the hospital.

Home care helps

Caregivers with dementia experience are loving professionals who can assist with daily activities and provide respite for family caregivers. A variety of schedules are available and each client receives personalized attention.

By: Cindy Stead, Private Home Care Expert at AgeComfort.org Health Care Resource Centre