How to Build a Sense of Safety for a Dementia Patient – Prabhi Sodhi

1. How to Build a Sense of Safety for a Dementia Patient? – Prabhi Sodhi

2. Usually, dementia affects people in the middle or old age. By this time, generally, people are capable of keeping themselves safe. Or, when security is lacking, they can take measures to protect themselves. The dementia specialist, Prabhi Sodhisays that for a dementia patient, safety can be a prime concern. Depending on how this brain disorder is affecting a person, feeling safe or increasing his/her own safety can be difficult. Building a sense of safety for such a patient is, therefore, important. This can be done by securing the atmosphere where the person spends the most time. In some ways, outdoor security can be established too. • Why is a Sense of Safety Important during Dementia? • The sense of safety can matter in 2 ways for people diagnosed with dementia. Firstly, the disorder can have effects that disrupt their mental health and memory. As a result, they can become suspicious of others. Or, they may not recognize other people around them, including their family members and friends. • Secondly, the physical safety of dementia patients is important. They can be prone to falling, getting injured, losing their way, or becoming vulnerable to accidents when driving. Mr. Sodhi considers that when mental and physical security is ensured, patients can find themselves living in a better zone.

3. Signs that Indicate a Lack of Security • When a patient with dementia does not feel safe, she or he can exhibit certain signs. Once these indications are observed, caregivers should prepare to create a better environment, advises the dementia specialist, Prabhi Sodhi. • The patient may not show trust in the people around him/her. • A person may find an environment to be unfamiliar. • Clarity regarding whom to talk to can be missing. • Often, the patient can receive injuries whether at home or outside. • A lack of confidence in her/his behavior can be seen when going out. • Frequently, this person may lose the way when traveling to or from home. • How to Make the Home a Safe Place for Dementia Patients? • The home can be made secure for people having dementia by focusing on its various areas. The kitchen, living room, bathroom, bedroom, balcony, etc., are some crucial areas to consider. Although, in general, they are safe, for dementia patients, they can be harm-inducing in some potential ways. • With some easy tips and measures, the areas of the home can be made safe to the maximum extent.

4. In the Living Room • To ensure that the living room is secure, any item that has sharp edges and often gets in touch while passing through should be removed. Furniture with protruding parts, Mr. Sodhi opines, can cause injuries to patients. Therefore, such furniture should either be made secure or replaced. • For the Bathroom • A bathroom is that part of the home where incidents of slipping can often be possible. They can occur when the floors are slippery or wet. Certain devices may be placed here that increase dangers in other ways. They can include switches, geysers, thermostat controllers, and other smart devices. • For some homeowners, it is a necessity to install these electronics in bathrooms. They can keep them covered or at bay from patients. Otherwise, when patients enter this space, they can be assisted when possible. Or, safety equipment around these devices can be installed. • In the Laundry Area • Considering the viewpoint of Prabhi Sodhi, the laundry region can comprise various items that can cause dangers to the health of people with dementia. The products stored for cleaning indicate one such example. Aside from health, safety risks can arise due to drainage, electronics, etc. • The dementia specialist, Mr. Sodhi advises that these products should not be in close contact with patients. Furthermore, when the laundry area is being used, they can be kept at bay. At other times, this area can be kept closed.

5. Securing the Kitchen • When it comes to the kitchen and the safety of dementia patients, hazards of various kinds should be kept in mind. Fires, explosions, unsafe consumption, falls, and more can occur. This will depend on how the area has been organized or equipped. • To secure the kitchen, flammable items should be properly stored. Electronic devices should be covered or kept out of reach. Wet floors or a poor drainage system can be maintained. Most importantly, eatables that are not advisable for dementia patients should not be easy to find or access. • How to Keep Dementia Patients Safe Outside? • As much as indoor safety is crucial, maintaining the same outside is no less important. It is shared by Mr. Sodhi that patients who tend to lose their way should be assisted. In case the same is not possible, the contact details of the family members should be attached or kept with the patients. Provided that they lose their way, others can help them using these details. • Certain devices can also be used to maintain safety outside homes. Devices with GPS tracking systems, bracelets for identification, and others can be useful in this regard. • Can Changes in the Environment Affect those with Dementia? • Making the environment safe around people having dementia can work to some extent to build a sense of security. But it should be learned that any changes in the environment can sometimes disrupt the safety aspects. • For such people, understanding minute changes can be a complex task. Especially when they are in the advanced stages of the disorder, this outcome is possible. Hence, caregivers should try to keep the environment familiar. • Given that making changes to this atmosphere is vital, patients should be assisted to understand these. For this, they should also be allowed the time to form their understanding. • Bottom Line • Dementia can induce the feeling of not being safe in some patients. The intensity of this feeling can vary. Irrespective of this, PrabhiSodhiputs forth that it is vital to build a safe atmosphere for patients. Both indoors and outdoors, when such an atmosphere is ensured, their mental and physical health can be maintained.