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Safety

Mother and daughter looking and smartphone

Safety is a common concern and consideration for people living with a diagnosis of dementia, their family, friends and health care practitioners. Considering safety for persons living with a rare dementia can result in maintaining quality of life and dignity. Common safety concerns include falls, food safety, traffic safety, prevention of wandering and safety with medications. Often, safety can be a difficult issue because family members, people living with dementia and health care providers may all have different perspectives on issues of safety.

Generally, safety considerations can be thought of within four different categories. These include protecting physical safety, economic safety, emotional safety and relational safety. 

Physical Safety

  • being free from physical abuse
  • having a preventative presence available for assistance
  • appropriate protective aids tailored to the person’s physical needs and physical environment
  • monitoring by health professionals for safety considerations such as driving and/or continuing to work

Economic Safety

  • being free from financial abuse
  • prevention of unnecessary spending
  • maintaining dignity through practical assistance

Emotional Safety

  • being free from mental or emotional abuse
  • maintaining dignity
  • preventing loneliness
  • promoting positive moments and positive feelings

Relational Safety

  • safety in the community in interactions with others
  • technology and virtual communications

In the case of physical safety, appropriate protective aids may include stove guards, electronic calendars, portable alarms and single dose or secure medication containers. We know that the protective factors needed for all areas of safety will be dependent on an individual’s living situation, connection with family and friends, and their own individual physical, economic, emotional and relational needs.   

While discussions around appropriate safety measures can be challenging, having a comprehensive safety plan in place becomes an important tool for everyone as the dementia progresses. Each individual living with a diagnosis of rare dementia, their family and their friends may problem-solve safety concerns in different ways. Considerations around safety and independence are often discussed during supports groups and individual support calls. If you are interested in taking part in support, please become a member or contact the RDS Canada support team.