Memory Digest

Home Safety

Practical steps to make the home safer for someone living with dementia—reducing falls, fires, wandering, and everyday hazards.

Last reviewed: October 2026

As dementia progresses, judgment, vision, balance, and awareness of danger can change. A home that felt fine for decades may develop new risks. Home safety is about reducing harm while preserving as much independence and dignity as possible—not stripping the house bare or turning it into a hospital.

This page summarizes widely recommended steps from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the Alzheimer's Association. It is general information, not personal medical advice. Start with Caregiving Guide: Where to Start if you are new to caregiving.

Guiding ideas

• Walk through room by room looking for fall, fire, poisoning, and wandering risks.
• Fix the biggest hazards first—medications, stove, stairs, exits, weapons.
• Reassess often. What is safe in early dementia may not be safe later.
• Balance safety and autonomy. Involve the person in decisions when you can.

Falls

Falls are a leading cause of injury. Common fixes:

• Clear clutter, cords, and throw rugs; tape down edges of remaining rugs or remove them
• Improve lighting, especially halls, stairs, and the path to the bathroom at night; use night lights
• Install grab bars in the bathroom (toilet and shower); use a shower seat and nonslip mats
• Mark stair edges with contrasting tape; keep handrails secure
• Store frequently used items within easy reach so the person does not climb
• Encourage sturdy, nonslip shoes; avoid loose slippers

If falls keep happening, ask the doctor about vision, medications that cause dizziness, and physical therapy.

Kitchen and fire safety

• Supervise cooking if judgment or attention is declining; consider disabling the stove when unsupervised (knob covers, circuit breaker, or stove lock)
• Keep a fire extinguisher accessible and check that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms work; replace batteries on a schedule
• Store matches, lighters, and flammable liquids locked away
• Unplug irons, toasters, and space heaters when not in use, or remove them if they are a risk
• Use an automatic shut-off kettle if the person still makes tea or coffee

Bathroom

• Lower water heater temperature to about 120°F (49°C) to prevent burns
• Remove locks on bathroom doors (or ensure you can open them from outside) so the person cannot get trapped
• Keep medications, razors, and cleaning products locked or out of sight
• Use bright, contrasting towels and toilet seats so fixtures are easier to see

Medications, chemicals, and weapons

• Lock up all medicines—prescription and over-the-counter—and keep a current list for doctors
• Store cleaning products, pesticides, alcohol, and toxic plants securely
• Remove or lock firearms and ammunition; ask local authorities or a gun shop about safe storage if needed. The same goes for power tools and sharp knives if they pose a risk.

Wandering and exits

Many people with dementia walk away from home and get lost, even if they never "wandered" before. See also Wandering.

• Install door alarms, motion sensors, or chimes that alert you when an exterior door opens
• Place locks high or low where they are less obvious—but never lock someone in a room alone without a safe exit plan for fire
• Camouflage doors with curtains or murals if that helps your situation
• Enroll in a wandering-response program (such as MedicAlert with Safe Return or similar local programs)
• Keep a recent photo and a written description of the person ready for emergencies
• Inform neighbors and local police if appropriate

Living areas and bedrooms

• Label drawers and doors with words or pictures ("Socks," "Bathroom")
• Keep pathways wide and furniture stable
• Use a monitor if you need to hear the person at night
• Avoid space heaters and electric blankets if they could be used unsafely
• Check windows: limit how far they open above ground level if falling is a risk

Outside the home

• Secure pools, ponds, and hot tubs with fences and locked gates
• Fix uneven walkways; add outdoor lighting
• Discuss driving early; when driving is no longer safe, remove or hide keys and arrange other transportation

Technology that can help

Simple tools—night lights, stove shut-off devices, GPS wearables, video doorbells, and medication dispensers—can add safety without constant hovering. Choose devices the person will tolerate and that you will actually use. Technology is a supplement to, not a replacement for, human care and routines.

When to get professional help

An occupational therapist can do a home safety evaluation and recommend equipment covered by insurance. Ask the doctor for a referral. If the person lives alone and risks are rising, explore more support—day programs, home health, or residential care—sooner rather than after a crisis.

A weekly safety habit

Once a week, walk the main rooms with this short list: clear floors, working alarms, meds locked, exits secured, night path lit. Ten minutes of checking prevents many emergencies.

For day-to-day structure that supports safety, see Daily Care and Routines. For stress and backup plans, see Caregiver Stress and Burnout and Helplines and Support Organizations.

Sources

1. National Institute on Aging: Home Safety and Alzheimer's Disease
2. National Institute on Aging: Home Safety Checklist for Alzheimer's Disease
3. Alzheimer's Association: Home Safety

Not medical advice. This article is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual. Talk with a doctor about your situation.

Related articles

• Caregiving Guide: Where to Start
• Daily Care and Routines
• Wandering
• Caregiver Stress and Burnout
• Communicating with Someone with Dementia