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Try to keep these five “F’s” in mind when thinking through potential dangers in early stage dementia care:
Fires
- Kitchen
- Space heaters
- Smoking
Falls
- Bathroom
- Stairs
- Poor balance
- Cluttered environment
Fights
- Avoid conflict
- Use communication strategies
- Blame the disease, not the person
Financial Problems
- Use a dummy checkbook
- Redirect mail to responsible party
- Provide “play money” to alleviate worry
Fraud
- Block calls from solicitors
- Supervise check-writing
- Do “charity-giving” together
- Alert bank to cognitive decline and risk of fraud and financial abuse
- Background check EVERY caregiver or outsider who comes into home
Got a specific question? Email me at DQ@thedementiaqueen.com. Let’s discuss!