Dementia changes how your parent perceives and interacts with their environment. Familiar objects become confusing. Judgment deteriorates. The home that was safe for decades becomes full of hazards. Making modifications now—before accidents happen—is essential.
What's safe in early dementia isn't enough in later stages. Reassess regularly—at minimum every 6 months, or whenever abilities decline noticeably. What works today may be inadequate in a year.
General Safety Principles
- Simplify: Remove clutter, extra furniture, unnecessary items
- Illuminate: Good lighting everywhere, especially at night
- Secure: Lock away dangerous items, prevent wandering
- Label: Simple signs on doors and drawers
- Monitor: Consider cameras, motion sensors, medical alerts
- Adapt: Modify as the disease progresses
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Recommended Dementia Safety Products
- Door Alarm with Delayed Exit Alerts you when doors open to prevent wandering, with delay for normal use
- GPS Tracker for Seniors Real-time location tracking with fall detection for peace of mind
- Stove Knob Covers Prevent accidental stove activation and kitchen fires
- Motion Sensor Night Lights (6-Pack) Automatically illuminates paths to prevent nighttime falls and confusion
Kitchen
The kitchen contains fire, sharp objects, and poisons—making it high-risk.
Stove and Appliance Safety
- Install stove knob covers or remove knobs
- Consider an automatic stove shut-off device
- Switch to microwave or toaster oven (simpler, safer)
- Unplug small appliances when not in use
- Consider disconnecting garbage disposal
- Set water heater to 120°F or below to prevent scalds
Hazardous Items
- Lock or remove sharp knives and scissors
- Store cleaning products in locked cabinet
- Remove or lock away medications
- Secure alcohol if problematic
- Remove or disable dishwasher detergent pods (can look like candy)
Food Safety
- Check refrigerator regularly for spoiled food
- Lock refrigerator if they eat spoiled food or inappropriate items
- Remove poisonous plants
- Supervise meals if choking risk exists
People with dementia may forget they've turned on the stove, leave items on burners, or not recognize fire danger. An automatic stove shut-off device (around $100-300) can be a lifesaver.
Bathroom
Wet surfaces, hard fixtures, and water temperature make the bathroom particularly dangerous.
- Grab bars: By toilet and in shower/tub (professionally installed into studs)
- Non-slip mats: In tub/shower and on floor
- Shower chair: Allows seated bathing
- Handheld showerhead: For seated bathing
- Anti-scald device: Prevents water temperature extremes
- Night lights: Motion-activated for nighttime trips
- Raised toilet seat: Easier to sit and stand
- Lock medicine cabinet: Or remove medications entirely
- Remove razors: Use electric razor if needed
- Lock cleaning products
- Remove bathroom lock: Prevent getting locked in
Bedroom
- Clear path from bed to bathroom (no furniture or cords to trip on)
- Night lights along the path
- Bed at appropriate height (feet touch floor when sitting on edge)
- Remove area rugs (tripping hazard)
- Consider bed rails (assess risk of getting trapped)
- Put phone within reach of bed
- Install door alarm if nighttime wandering occurs
Living Areas
- Remove or secure area rugs
- Clear clutter and trip hazards
- Secure electrical cords against walls
- Remove or pad sharp corners on furniture
- Ensure adequate lighting (increase wattage, add lamps)
- Cover or remove mirrors if they cause confusion
- Secure or remove firearms
- Lock away power tools
- Consider childproof covers on outlets
Stairs
- Handrails: On both sides, continuous, securely mounted
- Good lighting: Switches at top and bottom
- Non-slip treads: On each step
- Contrasting tape: Mark edges of steps
- Gate at top: If wandering/confusion is severe
- Consider alternatives: Stair lift or moving to one-floor living
Doors and Exits
Wandering is a major concern in dementia. Secure exits while avoiding fire safety issues.
- Door alarms: Alert when exterior doors open
- Locks: Place high or low where they won't think to look
- Camouflage exits: Hang curtain over door, paint same color as wall
- STOP sign: On inside of door (sometimes works in early stages)
- Black mat: In front of door (may appear as hole)
- Motion sensors: Alert when movement near exits
- Never lock them in: Must be able to exit in fire
Whatever locks you use must still allow rapid exit in a fire. Everyone in the household should know how to unlock them quickly. Consider smart locks that you can monitor and unlock remotely.
Outdoors
- Fence yard if possible
- Install gate alarms
- Remove or lock car keys (and consider disabling car)
- Secure pool/spa with locked fence
- Store lawn chemicals and tools in locked shed
- Check for poisonous plants
- Ensure good lighting on walkways
- Repair uneven surfaces
Technology for Safety
Monitoring
- Medical alert system: Wearable device with emergency button
- Motion sensors: Alert to unusual activity patterns
- Video cameras: Monitor activity remotely
- GPS tracking: Devices worn or sewn into clothes
- Smart home devices: Voice-controlled lights, locks, thermostats
Alarms and Alerts
- Door and window alarms
- Bed/chair pressure sensors
- Stove shut-off devices
- Water leak sensors
- Smoke and CO detectors (test monthly)
Technology can help but cannot replace supervision. Cameras show what happened but don't prevent it. Alarms alert you after they've opened the door. Use technology as one layer of safety, not the only layer.
Safe Environments for Different Stages
Early Stage
- Remove obvious hazards
- Install basic bathroom safety equipment
- Simplify the environment
- Add reminders and labels
- Begin monitoring driving safety
Middle Stage
- Increase supervision
- Secure exits and prevent wandering
- Lock away dangerous items
- Install monitoring technology
- Consider stove/appliance controls
- They likely should not be left alone for extended periods
Late Stage
- 24-hour supervision typically needed
- Hospital bed may be necessary
- Focus on fall prevention and skin protection
- Home may no longer be appropriate—consider memory care
When Home Is No Longer Safe
Sometimes, despite all modifications, home isn't safe:
- Frequent wandering despite interventions
- Inability to provide 24-hour supervision
- Aggressive behaviors that create danger
- Care needs exceeding what can be provided
- Caregiver health declining
Memory care facilities are designed for dementia safety with:
- Secured perimeters
- Safe wandering paths
- 24/7 trained staff
- Purpose-built environments
Moving to memory care isn't failure—it's recognizing when a higher level of care is needed.
Home Safety Checklist
Our Dementia Home Safety Checklist provides a room-by-room assessment guide with specific modification recommendations.
Get the Complete Caregiver Kit- Reassess safety regularly as dementia progresses
- Kitchen and bathroom are highest-risk areas
- Prevent wandering while maintaining fire escape ability
- Technology helps but doesn't replace supervision
- Remove or secure all dangerous items
- Good lighting and clear pathways prevent falls
- Know when home is no longer safe enough