November is both National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month. Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s often means adjusting the home environment to reduce risks and increase safety, as well as comfort. As the disease progresses, memory loss and confusion can make everyday tasks, such as cooking or using electrical appliances, potentially hazardous.
At ServiceMaster DSI, we understand that restoration isn’t only about buildings—it’s about people. In recognition of this month of awareness and support, we’re sharing practical home safety tips that can help prevent fire and water damage, reduce fall hazards, and create a more secure environment for those living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
1. Prevent Fire Hazards at Home
Fire safety becomes even more critical when caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. Memory lapses or confusion can lead to unintended fire risks, especially in the kitchen or around heating equipment. A few key steps can help reduce those risks:
Use appliances with automatic shut-off features. Choose coffee makers, irons, and space heaters that automatically power down when not in use.
Add stove knob covers, or remove knobs altogether, when the stove is not in use to prevent accidental ignition.
Consider smart burner technology. These burners limit the temperature to below the point where most cooking oils ignite, significantly reducing fire risk.
Check smoke and gas detectors regularly. Replace batteries as needed and install detectors in key areas, especially near bedrooms and kitchens.
Avoid portable space heaters. Instead, use safe, fixed heat sources and keep combustible items away from any heat-producing appliances.
2. Reduce the Risk of Water Damage
Water damage may not seem as immediately dangerous as fire, but it can quickly create unsafe living conditions. Overflowing sinks, tubs, or toilets are common when caring for individuals who may forget to turn off faucets or become distracted mid-task. These are a few simple ways to minimize water risks:
Install automatic faucet controls in bathrooms and kitchens to prevent overflows.
Remove sink stoppers to avoid water buildup if a faucet is accidentally left running.
Inspect plumbing fixtures regularly for leaks, drips, or slow drains that could lead to flooding or water damage.
Keep small electrical appliances out of the bathroom, and cover outlets to eliminate the chance of electrical hazards.
3. Create a Safer Everyday Environment
Beyond fire and water hazards, home safety for someone with Alzheimer’s extends to minimizing fall and injury risks throughout the house. These adjustments can be simple but make a meaningful impact:
Remove loose rugs and secure electrical cords to prevent tripping.
Ensure clear walking paths in hallways and common areas.
Keep emergency contacts visible, such as on the refrigerator or near the phone, in case of an urgent situation.
Use adequate lighting to reduce confusion and prevent accidents, especially in stairways and bathrooms.
Limit access to hazardous materials such as cleaning products, gasoline, paint thinners, or other flammable liquids. Store them in locked cabinets, sheds, or garages.
Taking small, preventive steps not only reduces the risk of accidents but also gives caregivers greater confidence and peace of mind.
At ServiceMaster DSI, we work every day to help families restore what matters most after fire, water, and other property damage events. But more importantly, we believe in helping prevent those disasters before they start. If you should need our services, though, our team has the expertise, innovative technology, and protocols to quickly and safely get your home back to normal. Give us a call today at 844-413-3130.
