If you care for a person with Alzheimer’s or similar dementia, it can be difficult to decide whether they can stay at home alone. If the person does stay by themselves for any length of time, a delicate balance is required between this person’s independence and the safety precautions that must be incorporated into living arrangements. However, before changes are made, caregivers first need to evaluate how well the individual with dementia can handle daily tasks of living. It is important to directly observe the person performing these routine activities.
Use the following questions to help determine how well the person with dementia is functioning.
These questions can also help you to identify safety concerns and/or potential hazards.
Safety Questions
(Decide “yes” or “no” for each of the following questions that pertains to your loved one.)
Having driving accidents, even minor ones?
Getting lost driving or walking?
Burning pots on the stove or forgetting to turn off the burners?
Letting strangers into the house or often locking him/herself out?
Demonstrating mood swings and suspicious paranoid behavior?
At risk of injury from falls?
Personal care Questions
Eating well-balanced meals and drinking plenty of fluids?
Dresses appropriately for the weather?
Bathes and uses the toilet when needed?
Other tasks:
Keeping up with housekeeping duties?
Shopping for, storing and preparing food correctly?
Taking medication on time with the correct dosages?
Reciting his/her current address and phone number?
This list of questions is not exhaustive, but it can be used as a great start for assessing the needs for more supervision, support, or changes in living arrangements. For more information, or to receive a checklist by mail or email, please call (225) 334-7494 or email programs@alzbr.org.
Rashida Keith, Program Coordinator
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