How to Tell if a Loved One with Dementia is Unsafe Alone

People with Alzheimers disease and other dementias can face difficulties and dangers in everyday activities that people without these problems might find hard to comprehend. For example, for someone with normal memory function, boiling a pot of water is not usually a dangerous activity. But for someone with memory problems or other cognitive issues brought on by dementia, there could be very serious risks of starting a fire. It's important for the families of dementia patients to realize that their loved ones can be in danger in places that most people would take for granted as totally safe. Depending on the severity of symptoms, it may not be safe for those with dementia to live alone. For guidance on how to judge whether or not a dementia patient is safe alone, and ways to help make these situations safer, check out the following links to articles by senior care expert Liz Macera:

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-9696-SF-Senior-Care-Examiner~y2009m10d7-Should-a-person-with-Alzheimers-disease-or-dementia-stay-home-alone

http://www.examiner.com/x-9696-SF-Senior-Care-Examiner~y2009m10d8-Fire-safety-at-home-with-a-person-who-has-dementia