Which is a recommended safety measure for home care of a person with Alzheimer's?

• A. Keyed deadbolts
• B. Grab bars in showers/bathrooms
• C. Remove clutter and throw rugs
• D. Medical bracelet

Answer: (B)

Fall prevention in the home is a key safety focus for someone with Alzheimer’s, since confusion and balance issues increase the risk of slipping and falling, especially in wet areas. Installing grab bars in showers and bathrooms provides a stable support point for getting in and out of the tub and for standing up, which directly reduces the chance of a dangerous fall. This simple, nonrestrictive modification helps maintain independence while keeping the environment safer during routine care.

Locks on doors might seem protective, but keyed deadbolts can trap a person who becomes disoriented or needs quick exit in an emergency, so they’re not the best safety strategy. Removing clutter and throw rugs is helpful to minimize tripping, and a medical bracelet is important for identification if wandering occurs, but grab bars specifically address the immediate risk of slips and falls in the bathroom—the area where accidents commonly happen.