Try: Write the purchase and or expiration date on food bags and labels
Materials: Black felt tip pen
Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical, Smelling, So-So Smelling, Poor Smelling
Information: n/a
References: n/a
Keywords: Adapted from tonia boterf 2011 35 adaptations and accommodations for aging parents ezinearticles com
*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed
Try: Set hot water temperature at 140 degrees fahrenheit or lower to prevent scalding
Materials: n/a
Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical, Touch, So-So Touch, Poor Touch
Information: n/a
References: Christian care health system no date home safety for people with alzheimer alzheimer’s available at
Keywords: Hot water burn scald home safety
*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed
Try: Use good overall lighting use a swing-arm or goose neck lamp that can be moved over instruments and tools when they are being used organize tools and mark with large numbers or raised stick-on dots put contrasting tape on handles of tools to make them easier to see use large print tape measure make measured marks with heavy black lines from a felt tip pen use magnifiers on a gooseneck stand to provide magnification use safety goggles
Materials: Swing-arm or goose neck lamp raised stick-on dots contrasting tape large print tape measure bold black felt tip pen magnifiers on a gooseneck stand safety goggles
Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical, Vision, So-So Vision, Poor Vision
Information: n/a
References: A adapted from useful home adaptations for the blind and visually impaired from lowvision com
Keywords: n/a
*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed
Try: Install a handrail painted a different color than the background wall on both sides of the stairs mark the edges of steps with a 1 – 2 inch strip of bright paint or reflective tape especially the bottom step where many falls occur to help locate the bottom step place a strip of velcro at the end of the handrail
Materials: Handrails bright colored paint reflective tape velcro strips with an adhesive backing
Categories: Medical Physical, So-So Vision, Poor Vision
Information: n/a
References: Adapted from the internet website www environmentalfgeriatrics com household tips for people with low vision by rosemary bakker cornell university
Keywords: n/a
*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed
Try: Use bright tape to outline the toilet paper dispenser the rim of the tub and edges of the counter or vanity select a toilet seat that is a different color than the floor color choose a brightly colored tub mat replace clear glass light fixtures or ones with exposed bulbs with fixtures that shield the bulbs color-contrast grab bars and towels from the background wall use soap and shampoo dispensers that are different colors than the tub and sink add a waterproof light in the shower or the tub use illuminated wall plates put automatic night-lights in the pathway from the bedroom to the bath or install a dimmer switch and leave lights on low hang a magnifying glass near the medicine cabinet that can be used to read labels
Materials: Brightly colored tape different colored toilet seat brightly colored tub mat light fixtures that do not expose the light bulb different colored soap and shampoo dispensers different colored grab bars different colored towels waterproof light illuminated wall plates automatic night-lights dimmer switch magnifying glass piece of string for hanging magnifier
Categories: Medical Physical, Personal, So-So Vision, Poor Vision, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware
Information: n/a
References: Adapted from the internet website www environmentalgeriatrics com household tips for people with low vision by rosemary bakker cornell university
Keywords: n/a
*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed
Try: Hang sheer curtains blinds or light filtering shades that maintain privacy but allow light through paint or apply tape in a bright color on the wand or knob controls of window blinds so the cr can find it
Materials: Sheer curtains blinds or light filtering shades bright colored tape
Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical, Vision, So-So Vision, Poor Vision
Information: n/a
References: A adapted from household tips for people with low vision by rosemary bakker cornell university
Keywords: n/a
*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed
Try: Install an intercom system at the door so that visitors can identify themselves
Materials: Intercom system
Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical, Vision, So-So Vision, Poor Vision
Information: n/a
References: A adapted from household tips for people with low vision by rosemary bakker cornell university
Keywords: n/a
*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed
Try: Position the walker at arm’s length in front of the cr with all four legs level on the floor use the handles of the walker for balance place the walker one step ahead of cr and take small steps when turning keep back upright while pushing the walker forward do not walk behind the walker; step into it instead with a rolling walker be careful not to push it too far ahead when walking stay close to keep balanced don’t lean on the walker when getting up or sitting it could tip over when using a folded walker make sure the walker is locked into the open position check the security of the handgrip on the walker frequently a handgrip that could slip off or rotate during weight bearing can cause a fall wear shoes with rubber soles such as tennis shoes slippers should not be worn because they can slide off feet and cause a fall do not wear shoes with leather heels or soles that may slide and cause a fall check the floor to be sure it is safe the floor must be clean dry and well lit remove throw rugs to prevent falls tape or nail down loose carpet edges keep the traffic areas and the floor free of clutter stand a few seconds before moving this will get the cr’s body used to standing do not start walking if dizzy look straight ahead when walking the cr may run into or trip over something if he she is looking at their feet
Materials: Shoes with rubber soles tennis shoes etc tape or nails
Categories: Medical Physical, Personal, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Immobile, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware
Information: n/a
References: Adapted from www graytimes com – tips on using walkers and canes safely by judith strom – posted on august 31 2009
Keywords: n/a
*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed
Try: Use a quad cane one with four supports if balance is a problem a quad cane provides much greater stability because of its multiple points on the ground and is free standing one disadvantage is that it is heavier to carry light things while using a cane use a backpack or carry a bag do not try to carry heavy things nonskid rubber tips on a cane can reduce slipping check tips often and replace them if they look worn use the widest tip but it should fit tightly an ice-gripping device for the bottom of the cane can be helpful in winter called an ice pick or ice grip these can be flipped down for a better grip on snow or ice for greater balance consider using two canes during winter walks
Materials: Backpack or bag non-skid wide rubber tips ice-gripping device for the bottom of the cane called an ice pick or ice grip extra cane
Categories: Medical Physical, Personal, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Immobile, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware
Information: n/a
References: Adapted from www graytimes com – tips on using walkers and canes safely by judith strom – posted on august 31 2009
Keywords: n/a
*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed
Try: Have a plan for fire and other emergencies posted near the phone do not leave cr home alone if he cannot respond to an emergency
Materials: Pen and paper tape
Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical, Mobile, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Immobile, Independence, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, Cognitive Awareness, Somewhat Aware, Unaware
Information: n/a
References: home safety for people with alzheimer’s by christian care health system available at
Keywords: Emergency home alone does not respond home safety
*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed