Is it Safe to Leave the Person with AD Alone?

Return to the prior page:  General Safety Concerns

This issue needs careful evaluation and is certainly a safety concern.  The following points may help you decide.

Does the person with AD:

  • become confused or unpredictable under stress?
  • recognize a dangerous situation; for example, fire?
  • know how to use the telephone in an emergency?
  • know how to get help?
  • stay content within the home?
  • wander and become disoriented?
  • show signs of agitation, depression, or withdrawal when left alone for any period of time?
  • attempt to pursue former interests or hobbies that might now warrant supervision such as cooking, appliance repair or woodworking?

You may want to seek input and advice from a health care professional to assist you in these considerations.  As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, these questions will need ongoing evaluation.

See the next topic in this series:  Home Safety Overview

 

Acorn wishes to acknowledge the National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center that were the sources for this valuable content.