Home Contaminants and Hazards to Watch out For

Allergens

Cockroaches (see Insects)

Cockroaches, along with other pests, can trigger allergy attacks in susceptible persons – such as asthmatics. However, since they also present dangers beyond this – for example, possibly introducing bacteria or other disease into the home – I treat them in greater detail under Insects, below.

Dust mites (see Insects)

Food

Presently, I am not going to get into the particulars of nutrition. For a fairly detailed look at the dos and don’ts of the recommended Alzheimer’s “MIND Diet,” see HERE. Instead, I will simply remind readers that many individuals have – or develop – various food-related allergies.[1]

As a caretaker, you will have to have at least some familiarity with your charge’s medical history, including any relevant allergies. You’ll also have to be aware of the food that is presented to your loved one in order to guard against potential allergic reactions. I cannot give medical advice. So, this list is merely given for informational purposes.

But the following foods are not uncommonly associated with allergies in some people:

Eggs (e.g., Chicken, Duck, Goose, Turkey and Quail)
Dairy (e.g., Butter, Cheese, Ice Cream, Protein Powders [Casein, Whey, etc.], Sour Cream and Yogurt)
Fish (e.g., Halibut, Salmon, and Tuna)
Gluten (e.g., Barley, Oats, Rye and Wheat)
Nuts (e.g., Almonds, brazil Nuts, Peanuts, Pecans, Pine Nuts and Walnuts)
Shellfish (e.g., Barnacles, Crabs, Crawfish, Krill, Lobsters, Prawns and Shrimp)
Soybeans

Fur and Hair (Animal – see Pets)

Mold

You can’t avoid ambient mold. The stuff must literally just float around in the air. But it takes water for it to grow.

Because of the presence of water, the bathroom and kitchen are especially susceptible to mold growth. Try running an exhaust fan in the bathroom.

If the noise is perturbing to your loved one, either install a “quiet” fan or run the fan only after mom or grandpa has finished washing up.

You might need to encourage bathing over showering for several reasons. Most notably, your loved one may experience declining balance or motor skills. But showers – especially long ones – can also dry out the skin and make mold growth more likely. For these (and other) reasons, you might want to favor the bathtub. (Walk-in tubs are available for those with impaired mobility.)

Beyond this, mold control is fundamentally about water control. You can try to prevent mold growth by keeping indoor moisture levels to minimums, cleaning up spills promptly, and fixing plumbing leaks (or treat sweating pipes) without delay. Employ a competent plumber or handyman.

Remember that even small amounts of water can prompt mold growth. And if your ambient air is too humid, then use a dehumidifier – ensuring that you empty its water reservoir regularly.

Common Varieties of Household Mold:

Alternaria
Aspergillus
Aureobasidium
Chaetomium
Cladosporium
Fusarium
Penicillium
Stachybotrys

Pets

This is a tough one, since many elderly individuals may have had animals for some time.

On the one hand, you don’t want to distress your loved one by removing a furry companion. Relatedly, you would face the difficulty of finding a suitable replacement home. If it’s allowed to remain where it is, then you may end up becoming caretaker for a four-legged creature in addition to your loved one.

On the other hand, a cognitively impaired individual cannot be expected to provide an animal with necessary care.

As caretaker, if there is already an animal in the home, you will have to weigh the pros and cons of removing it against the pros and cons of keeping it in place.

You can purchase a realistic stuffed “pet.” And some writers report that these surrogates provide their loved ones with comfort – without the challenges, responsibilities, or messes of living animals.

Pets That Commonly Elicit Allergic Reactions in Sensitive People Include:

Cats (Felis catus)
Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris)
Gerbils
- Fat-Tailed (Pachyuromys duprasi)
- Mongolian (Meriones unguiculatus)
Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus)
Hamsters
- Cambell’s Dwarves (Phodopus campbelli)
- Chinese (Cricetulus griseus)
- Golden/ Syrian (Mesocricetus auratus)
- Roborovski (Phodopus roborovskii)
- Winter White Dwarves (Phodopus sungorus)
Mice (Mus musculus)
Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Pollen & Plant-Based Skin Irritants

Pollen allergies (e.g., to various grasses, trees, and weeds – see list, below) routinely cause nasal congestion and sinus headaches. They may also elicit coughs, red and itchy eyes, and runny roses. Not uncommonly, cognitively impaired individuals experience decreased senses of smell – and allergies can make this problem worse. Additionally, if the Alzheimer’s sufferer has Asthma, seasonal allergies can trigger an acute episode.

Allergy-prevention tips include the following.

Remain indoors – especially during the early morning hours. If elopement is a problem for your loved one, then you may need to alarm or secure the entry and exit doors.
Keep windows shut – at particularly bad times for pollen transmission. During the summer months, this may (and often will) require the use of an air-conditioning (A/C) or central-air system. If pollen exposure is an issue, you’ll have to watch any cognitively impaired individual, as he or she may open windows or go outside at times that might aggravate the allergy problem. You may need to secure doors and windows with locks. (See Product Recommendations.)
Don’t wear outside shoes in the house. To put it differently, if you need to go out, take your shoes off when you come back inside. If you or your loved one absolutely refuses to go shoeless in the house, then have a “clean” pair at hand that is only worn inside.
Maintain your furnace or A/C’s air filter – and, ideally, use high-quality filters. Some of the best are High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) elements and some may be labeled with words such as “Allergen Reduction” or “Allergy.”
Vacuum regularly – especially carpets, registers, and window sills. Don’t use a broom because these tend merely to disperse settled dust and pollen into the air. A typical recommendation is that you should vacuum once or twice per week. But this can be difficult for anyone with a busy schedule, let alone a person who is also tasked with caretaking duties.
Launder linens weekly. Change and wash the bed sheets and pillow cases at least once a week – particularly during allergy seasons. Some people also like to utilize (often plastic) covers that go underneath the linens to prevent dust and pollens from embedding themselves deeply into the interiors of the mattresses and pillows.
Wash windows and window treatments periodically. This could be a seasonal endeavor. But windows (glass and screens) routinely collect dirt, grass, pollen, and other allergens. If you or your loved one seems to be experiencing an especially bad allergic episode, then you might put some effort into a special window-cleaning session.

Allergy-triggering plants are myriad and widespread. And some plants (like the Poodle-Dog Bush, Poison Ivy, and Stinging Nettle) can cause skin reactions if they are touched. Be especially vigilant if any of the following are known to be in your yard or neighborhood.

See my (more complete) list of common, allergy-triggering plants, HERE.

Gases

Exposure to certain gases can cause — or exacerbate — health problems. Some of these gases are periodically present in the home. Here are some of the most common.

Ammonia (NH3)

Ammonia is commonly used as a household cleanser — whether by itself or inside of other products like Windex. But ammonia fumes can burn your lungs and nose. It can irritate the eyes and skin. If your Alzheimer’s-afflicted loved one has other, respiratory-related health difficulties, exposure to ammonia could cause breathing distress. This could become a medical emergency.

Bleach (NaClO)

Bleach is a potent disinfectant and has numerous good uses. It’s one of the few compound capable of killing Norovirus (i.e., the dreaded, even if inaptly named, “stomach flu”). However, it can also be dangerous if inhaled. Like ammonia vapors, bleach can burn the lungs and nose. It can also damage the eyes. Being a base, bleach can also hurt the skin and leave a slippery film that is difficult to wash off.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Carbon monoxide, also known as the “silent killer,” is an odorless and toxic gas that can sometimes creep into people’s homes. Generally, it is caused by incomplete combustion and can originate from a variety of sources such as:

Car Exhaust
Chimneys
Cigarettes
Fireplaces
Furnaces
Gas Appliances (such as dryers, ovens, stoves and water heaters)
Small Gasoline-Powered Engines (e.g., lawn-care equipment).
Space Heaters
Wood Stoves

Symptoms of CO poisoning include confusion, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting and weakness. One difficulty is that some of these symptoms are commonly found in other conditions, such as the flu. Another problem is that things like confusion and dizziness might be daily occurrences for a person suffering from dementia.

There are at least three important action steps to avoid this household danger.

Keep wood and gas equipment properly inspected and maintained.
Restrict a cognitively impaired individual’s access to areas and items (e.g., garaged automobiles and fireplaces) that, if used improperly, could generate the deadly gas.
Always maintain one – or more! – working carbon-monoxide detectors in key locations throughout the living space.

Chlorine Gas (Cl)

Chlorine is routinely used by municipal treatment facilities for disinfecting drinking water. It’s also used for a similar purpose in swimming pools and spas. However, chlorine can also be extremely dangerous.

Chlorine gas was actually used in World War I as a weapon. It is a powerful respiratory irritant and can cause severe lung damage even in low concentrations.

Minute amounts of chlorine gas could be released while showering. (There are filters for this.) However, the primary danger lies in the improper handling of household cleansers. For example, Ammonia and Bleach are potentially dangerous on their own. But, if mixed together, the two can released harmful chlorine vapors.

Natural Gas

Natural gas is generally safe and useful. It is primarily methane, but it is also made up of other components like butane, ethane, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen, and propane.

The main danger with natural gas is that it is highly flammable. It has a lower explosive limit of about 5%, which means that if it comprises less than 5% of the air in a given container or room, there is not enough of it to explode. It’s too “lean.” On the other side of things, natural gas has an upper explosive limit of around 15%, which means that if it comprises more of the air than 15%, it’s too “rich” to burn.

For a household that doubles as a care area for a dementia patient, you have to be on guard against two main things.

Appliances. Most commercial appliances pass quality-control (and other) checks before they are manufactured and sold. So, let’s assume that home appliances are generally safe — provided that they have been professionally (or at least competently) installed. (The installation must include proper venting and wiring, where applicable. See also Electrical Hazards.) But, to be truly safe, an appliance must also be properly maintained and used. If it is broken, damaged, or misused, then there can be a real danger. This is especially true for appliances (like furnaces, stoves, and water heaters) than operate on natural gas. A flame left alight, or some sort of wayward spark could cause a conflagration in the presence of flammable gas. There is really no substitute for keeping a close watch on your loved one.
Leaks. The solution in a nutshell? Monitor for leaks. Leaks could come from appliances (like stoves) that have been left “on” mistakenly. It could also come from damage to appliances or from gas pipes that has loosened over time. In principal, leaks can be detected with your nose. Although natural gas is odorless, municipal gas companies add a sulfur-containing compound called Mercaptan to make it sense-perceptible. However, be aware that Alzheimer’s can undermine a person’s olfactory sense. In fact, the so-called “Smell Test” is one of the available tests that purports to detect (or confirm a diagnosis of) Alzheimer’s Disease. (For more on that, see HERE.) For an added layer of safety, I installed a natural-gas detector. Like a carbon-monoxide and smoke detectors, natural-gas detectors are built to trigger an alarm if the gas accumulates beyond a certain, predetermined level. (For product recommendations, see HERE.)

Radon

Radon is a radioactive gas that can sometimes infiltrate homes. Usually, it comes from the ground. So, the danger is typically more pronounced in basements and ground-floor living areas.

Reportedly, radon is carcinogenic. The main danger is lung cancer. For smokers, the presence of radon raises the probability of developing cancer. But radon by itself is supposed to be a cancer risk factor.

Some of the symptoms of chronic radon exposure — coughing, wheezing, etc. — are very similar to those of other conditions, like asthma. Others, like appetite loss and chest pain, can emulate symptoms of heart problems.

The best way to determine if this is an issue in your (or your loved one’s) home is to have your house inspected for radon, or to acquire and at-home test that you can use yourself.

Electrical-Shock Hazards

Appliances maintained or used incorrectly. You’ll need to carefully monitor your afflicted loved one if he or she uses hairdryers, heaters, microwaves, ovens, radios, televisions, toasters, etc. Many appliances can deliver electrical shocks if used in an improper manner or in an improper location (such as too close to, or in, water). My dad had a background in maintenance. So, one of the things that we had to watch was when he might decide that an appliance needed to be serviced. At various times he tried to disassemble equipment — long after he could no longer be relied upon to remember what he was doing, or how to do it safely. Some appliances, like microwaves and televisions, have capacitors that can store electrical charges even if they are unplugged.
Extension cords that are damaged, frayed, loosely connected or overloaded. Commonly found in homes, these convenient items are often over-used. They should never be “daisy chained” or strung together. And the size of the wires needs to be matched to the expected power load. When in doubt, consult a qualified electrician.
Electric outlets that are uncovered. As I have discussed in several other places (see HERE, for example) dementia sufferers should be approached, in many respects, similarly to children when it comes to household hazards. One of the main thrusts of this web project is the basic idea that caretakers should Alzheimer’s-proof a care environment in as thorough a manner as new parents would baby-proof their homes. This will certainly include small modifications such as utilizing outlet covers to minimize the risk of electrical shock when or if a cognitively impaired individual inserts a finger or object into a power socket.
Higher-voltage dangers. Bear in mind that some appliances, like clothes dryers, often run on higher voltage (e.g., 220-240 volts) than other household appliances (e.g., 110-120 volts). The danger with these is usually greater. Therefore, a greater degree of vigilance is appropriate.
Light-bulb sockets that are exposed. This may happen due to neglect or oversight. My dad would notice that a lightbulb had burned out, remove the bulb, and then forget what he was doing. The exposed socket may or may not be electrically “live.” But it should always be assumed to be live.
Lightning dangers. You might not think of this one immediately. But depending on the time of year and the weather conditions, this could be a potential hazard. For example, Alzheimer’s sufferers cannot be counted on to realize that they should take shelter in the event of a thunderstorm. Even though the statistical risk is low, you’ll need to keep at least one eye on the skies (and forecast) if your loved one spends time outdoors.
Switches that are loose or incorrectly connected. This could occur because of improper installation, or because of degradation over time.
Water, e.g., hot tubs, pools, spas, etc. too close to electricity. This is a problem that can be solved by keeping a careful watch on your loved one or by ensuring that they steer clear of hazardous locations. Another option for some people might be the removal of pools or other offending items. However, there are still faucets and sinks in the house which present similar dangers if used incorrectly. Make sure that bathrooms and kitchens are equipped with ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) outlets — and that these have been installed by competent handymen or electricians.
Wiring that is defective, faulty or over-loaded – This sort of hazard might result from any of the following: appliances in disrepair, loose electrical connections, covered or frayed cords, incorrectly used extension cords, cracked or cut wire insulation, overheating wires, water too close to appliances or electricity, or wires that have been damaged by rodent activity. (See Rodents.) Wiring or other electrical problems might be evidenced by lights flickering or electrical appliances behaving erratically. If in doubt, have the home inspected by a qualified electrician. And always keep appliances well clear of bathtubs, showers, sinks, spas, swimming pools, toilets, and washing machines.

Fire Hazards

Appliances poorly maintained (or wrongly used) – Coffee pots, electrical and gas dryers, ovens, space heaters, stoves, toasters, and many other household appliances require routine cleanings and other service. For example, dryer lint traps need continual cleaning. Stove tops and ovens should be wiped clear of grease and other substances — especially after food spillage.
Barbecues (and Other Outdoor Fires) Not Monitored Diligently – You will need to carefully watch your loved one if he or she is outside, particularly if there is unrestricted access to barbecue grills, fire pits, and the like. It is best to secure chemicals, igniters and matches and to restrict access to garages, sheds and yards in general.
Batteries discarded or stored improperly – Large batteries, including car and lantern batteries and batteries from security systems, neon signs, and other equipment, need to be handled and discarded correctly. But even smaller batteries can pose fire risks when they are thrown away haphazardly. This is especially true of 9-volt batteries, which, when their positive and negative terminals are connected (or “shorted out”) via some conducting material (e.g., a piece of metal) can become very hot.
Clutter (e.g., Papers and Miscellaneous Junk) heaped around: especially over appliances or cords – Besides being unsightly, clutter can cause appliance cords to overheat by trapping heat or covering up operationally necessary air vents. Secondly, a lot of clutter is combustible and, if placed too close to heat or light sources, can ignite. (See also Tripping Hazards: Clutter.)
Candles Left to Burn out Unattended – Candles should probably be rounded up and stored safely away from matches and lighters. If they are needed (e.g., during a power outage) they need to be controlled and monitored by a diligent caretaker.
Chemicals and combustibles Improperly discarded or stored – There are many flammable chemicals around the house. Mineral spirits can be found in work rooms. Oils can be used for various purposes, including as fuel for Candles. Gasoline and other combustibles are routinely stored in garages and sheds.
Cigarettes Not Completely Extinguished – If your loved one has been a lifelong smoker, this can be tough to police. It’s probably best to hide cigarette packs and to keep lighters and matches stored separately.
Cooking Mishaps – Fires can be caused in numerous ways in the kitchen. From neglecting to shut off burners and ovens to not noticing food or grease spilled in heating surfaces a lot can go wrong during cooking. If your cognitively impaired loved one still cooks, it needs to be done only under careful supervision.
Dust buildup – Dust allowed to cake on furnace heating elements or on top of space heaters not only traps heat, but is also liable to combust.
Dryers – One common cause of household fire is a blocked dryer vent. Ensure that there are no kinks or breaks in the dryer’s exhaust tubing and that the dryer is never operated without the exhaust line in place. Moreover, clean the lint trap regularly and do not launder fabrics that have been used to clean up explosive chemicals like gasoline or mineral spirits.
Electrical Problems (e.g., Aluminum Wiring, Faulty Circuit Breakers, Overloaded Circuits) (see also Faulty Wiring) – Another common cause of home fires is electrical wiring. This one probably requires the periodic attention of an expert, such as a certified electrician.
Explosive vapors improperly vented – This is especially relevant to storing liquids such as Gasoline.
Gasoline (and Liquid Hydrocarbons) Stored Improperly – Keep Alzheimer’s-affected persons away from explosive chemicals and ensure that they haven’t poured these substances into inappropriate containers.
Heating Problems (especially Malfunctioning Space Heaters) – A special, and all-too common, cause of fire can be so-called space heaters. When used, these need to be carefully inspected and maintained as well as placed safe distances from combustibles (or high-traffic areas where they can result in burns to skin). They should never be left on unattended. Do not rely upon the cognitively impaired person to use these correctly, or to not use them at night. After being used under attentive supervision, they should be stored out of reach (once they have been allowed to cool adequately, of course).
Lighting Issues (Mismatching Lightbulb Wattage, Placing Incandescent Lamps Near Flammable Material, Using Halogen Bulbs) – Changing light bulbs is, in principle, one of the simplest of household maintenance items. But even this can be too much for a severely cognitively impaired individual. Replacing a light bulb with one of too high a wattage can result in wires overheating. This, in turn, can lead to fire. Additionally, compact-fluorescent bulbs, which present less of a danger in terms of heat generation, often contain mercury, which can cause other problems if the bulb is dropped or otherwise broken. (See Heavy Metals.)
Smoke Detectors Nonfunctional – Test the smoke detectors once every month. And change the batteries every six (6) to twelve (12) months. However, be forewarned that working detectors are not a substitute for thorough supervision. Alzheimer’s sufferers may lack the perceptual abilities to notice that detectors are going off (e.g., they may be hard of hearing or visually impaired) and they may not remember what to do in an emergency even if the alarm registers.
Smoking – (See also Cigarettes…”) Smoking, specially indoors or around oxygen equipment, can be a major problem. The usual dangers are made worse when the smoker is cognitively impaired. He or she may forget how to properly put out and dispose or cigarettes, or may neglect proper safety protocols when in close proximity to medical or other flammable equipment and substances.
Trash accumulation – (See “Batteries…” and “Clutter.”) Trash is often combustible or otherwise flammable. If allowed to build up, it can become a fire hazard as well as a magnet or haven for pests (such as Insects and Rodents, which see).

Fire-Hazard Minimizing Tips

Be vigilant and watchful! Many locations around the house (like garages and kitchens) are inherently dangerous for any adult. When cognitive impairment is factored in, the danger posed by these places goes up exponentially.
Don’t allow a person with dementia to use appliances or cook without supervision.
Ensure that the living space is peppered with working smoke detectors. These life-saving devices are especially important in bedrooms, garages, and kitchens. However, placing a few in out-of-the-ordinary places — like attics — might not be a bad idea. (Though, when installed in such areas, it will be something of an annoyance to test them and change batteries.)
Keep living spaces clean and clutter-free.
Maintain heat-producing appliances. Clear dryer lint-traps regularly. Schedule routine maintenance for furnaces and, if used, fireplaces. (If unused, consider locking up or sealing up indoor fireplaces.)
Space heaters present special risks. Ensure that outlets are properly rated to handle the heavy electrical load. Keep the space heater clean and dust free. Do not use the space heater if it’s heating elements are cracked, damaged, dented or otherwise broken. Do not let a person with Alzheimer’s use a space heater unsupervised. Do not run the space heater unattended — e.g., at night when everyone is sleeping.
Try to discourage cigarette (and other forms of) smoking. At the very least, your loved one’s smoking will have to be closely monitored.
Watch (and minimize) the use of extension cords. Never cover or string together extension cords. Do not let your afflicted loved one fiddle with electrical cords.

Insects

In general, insects in the house can carry bacteria and other germs; corrupt food stores; do damage to building materials; precipitate allergy attacks; reduce property values; and, overall, be a nuisance.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches can trigger allergy and asthma attacks in susceptible people. They are also carriers for disease.

Cockroaches can spread bacteria, including (but not necessarily limited to) the following:

Campylobacter
- Campylobacter Coli and Campylobacter jejuni, causing various forms of “food poisoning” and Gastroenteritis
- Campylobacter rectus, which, besides Campylobacteriosis, can actually cause Periodontitis
E. coli (Escherichia coli) can cause Gastroenteritis, Traveler’s Diarrhea

Giardia
- Giardia lamblia, causing Giardiasis
- Giardia duodenalis, causing Giardia (or “Beaver Fever”)

Listeria monocytogenes, which causes Listeriosis
Mycobacterium leprae, causing “Hansen’s Disease” or the dreaded Leprosy
Salmonella
- Salmonella bongoria and Salmonella enterica, which cause Salmonellosis
- Salmonella typhi, which causes Typhoid Fever
Shigella
- Shigella dysenteriae, which causes Dysentery
- Shigella flexneri and Shigella sonnei, causing Shigellosis
Vibrio cholerae, which causes Cholera
Yersinia pestis; cockroaches might even transmit the bacterium that causes Bubonic Plague (the so-called “Black Death”)

Three tips for keeping cockroaches at bay.

Keep things clean! This is especially true of kitchens and dining areas. It is probably going to be necessary to restrict an Alzheimer’s sufferer’s access to these rooms. Do not let food sit out and clean up after eating or preparing meals. Don’t even let soiled dishes sit on tables or in sinks. And don’t let your loved one handle food unless he or she is capable of being careful – or unless
Take out the trash! Similarly to point number one’s focus on clearing dirty dishes, don’t let trash pile up – in kitchens, bathrooms, or anywhere else. If food or meat packaging has to be discarded, it’s probably best to dispose of it in an outside receptacle. Don’t let it sit inside – even in a trash container.
Store food correctly. Thoroughly close or reseal snack bags and containers. If possible, don’t allow a cognitively impaired individual to take snacks into bedrooms. My dad was so used to eating in his room that it was difficult for us to enforce this. But he made such a mess that it was just frightful. He routinely spilled beverages and other food stuffs; the carpet was discolored beyond all hope and, of course, it invited insects and other pests.

Also, see the tips for eliminating or reducing excess water/moisture in the house under Mold.

Common Cockroach species include:

American (Periplaneta americana)
Brown-Banded (Supella longipalpa)
German (Blattella germanica)
Oriental/Waterbug (Blatta orientalis)
Smokybrown (Periplaneta fuliginosa)

Dust Mites

Mites are microscopic (or at least very tiny) arachnids (see also Spiders). They often dwell in the ground, but a number of them — commonly designated “dust mites” — can be found in the house. These will typically make their homes on carpet fibers, linens, mattresses, rugs, and upholstery. As stomach-churning as it may sound, they’re called “dust” mites because they eat household dust, which is at least partially composed of animal and human skin cells. (Other components include dirt, flour, lint, pollen, sand, and waste from Insects and Rodents.) Dust mites may elicit allergic reactions in susceptible persons — such as those suffering from asthma (or other respiratory difficulties) or with compromised immunity.

Some common varieties of mites include:

American Dust Mite (Dermatophagoides farinae)
Cheese Mite (Tyrophagus putrescentiae)
European Dust Mite (Euroglyphus maynei)
Flour Mite (Acarus siro)
House Dust Mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus)
Storage Mite (Tyrophagus longior)
Tropical Dust Mite (Blomia tropicalis)

Tips for Minimizing Dust-Mite Populations:

Dust! That is… dust as a verb and not as a noun. But avoid “feather dusters” that merely whip the stuff into the air. Instead, use a moistened cloth or vacuum to remove buildup.
Mattresses, pillows, and other bed-related linens should be laundered regularly. If your loved one’s allergies are particularly bad, you might consider purchasing hypoallergenic bedding.
Humidity should be well-regulated. Several sources advise keeping humidity levels low. However, this will be a trade off. Low humidity can dry out nasal passages — especially during the winter season. So, if you run a humidifier, ensure that you use a hygrometer to keep tabs on the actual amount of moisture in the air.
Trash and clutter accumulation should be minimized. It’s a haven for dust — as well as for other Insects (including Spiders) and Rodents.

Spiders

Despite their often fearsome appearances, most spiders not harmful to humans. Only a few spiders are capable of penetrating human skin with their bites. But two that are able to bite humans — Black Widows and Brown Recluses — are certainly not to be trifled with.

One of the primary concerns might be that the sight of a spider could elicit agitation in an Alzheimer’s sufferer. It could even prompt a person to begin rifling through papers, moving furniture, or otherwise going on a slapdash “hunt” for the creepy-crawlies.

Relatedly, any person — but especially one who is cognitively impaired — could be startled by a spider, raising the possibility of a fall.

Even though spiders may eat other insects, overall, it’s probably best to eliminate spiders within your loved one’s care area.

Here are some common spiders to watch out for.

American Yellow Sac (Cheiracanthium inclusum)
Black Widow (Latrodectus hesperus, Latrodectus mactans)
Bold-Jumper (Phidippus audax)
Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa)
Common House (parasteatoda tepidariorum)
Daddy Long Legs/Longbodied Cellar (Pholcus phalangioides)
Funnel-Weaver (Tegenaria agrestis)
Hobo (Eratigena agrestis)
Shore (Pardosa milvina)
Wolf (Hogna aspersa, Hogna carolinensis, Rabidosa rabida, Tigrosa helluo)

Tips for getting rid of or discouraging spiders.

Clean! This is a common theme on this page. All sorts of Insects (and even Rodents) can take refuge in clutter and under stacks of junk. Don’t give the critters any place to hide.
Close off as many “gaps” as you can. Spiders and other pests can enter the home via holes in foundations, roofs, walls, and so on. These can be sealed with materials such as caulk and expanding urethane foam. Both of these (and more) and available at hardware stores. If necessary, enlist the services of a handyman or carpenter.
Manage landscaping. As with some things on this page, there is a trade off. From a beautification perspective, having plants up against the house can be pleasing to the eye. From the standpoint of pest control, it is best to clear the area around the house of plants — including bushes, flowers, trees, etc. Mulch and other plant matter gives insects places to hide and live.
Use pesticides. Again, there’s another trade off. Elsewhere on this page I mention pesticides in the context of toxins, exposure to which can cause (or worsen) numerous health concerns. So, use these with care. However, there is a possibility that you can use
Spray your house down with peppermint, tea-tree, citrus or eucalyptus oil.
Call a pest-control expert. As a last-ditch effort, don’t hesitate to call an exterminator. However, I can tell you from experience that it would probably be best to arrange for your Alzheimer’s-afflicted loved one to be out of the home during any necessary spraying. Indeed, you may wish to keep him or her away for several hours — especially if you fear an allergic reaction to any of the chemicals that are used.

Metals

Metals are commonly found around and in the house. Some — e.g., Brass (alloy of copper, zinc, and tin), Bronze (alloy of copper and tin), “Chrome” (i.e., Chromium, Cr), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Steel (alloy of iron and carbon), and Zinc (Zn) — are used as building materials. Others — chiefly Aluminum (Al) and copper — are used as electrical wiring. Still others — like Gold (Au), Pewter (alloy of tin, copper, antimony, and bismuth), Platinum (Pt), and Silver (Ag) — are found in jewelry and other knickknacks. And then there are more “exotic” metals (and metalloids) — such as Antimony (Sb), Bismuth (Bi), Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Tin (Sn), Titanium (Ti), and Tungsten (W) — that can be found inside of batteries, cosmetics, light bulbs, paints, sprinkler systems, and even food products.

Some of these are fairly safe. Others are, well… not so much.

What follows are some of the biggest offenders.

Aluminum (Al)

A growing number of people have come to believe that the “light” metal aluminum is possibly neurotoxic. As with other entries on this list (for instance, the related “heavy” metals), I am incompetent to settle this kind of question. My aim is only to make readers aware of the fact that some people consider aluminum problematic as possibly hazardous to one’s health. People who are sympathetic to this thesis may wish to remove things from the house that are aluminum containing. I’m thinking, here, mainly of health and beauty products. Many of these products – such as deodorants – now have aluminum-free alternatives.

Common Sources of Aluminum Exposure

Antacids
Antiperspirants
Cans
Cosmetics
Pots and Pans
“Tin” Foils
Toothpaste
Vaccines (Aluminum is sometimes used as an “adjuvant”)

Heavy Metals

The term “heavy metals” typically designates metals that have relatively high densities as compared with “lighter metals” such as Aluminum (Al) and Magnesium (Mg).

Heavy metals run the gamut in terms of safe-exposure levels. Some heavy metals, like Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr), Iron (Fe), and Zinc (Zn) are – in some forms and levels – widely recognized to be in-principle safe for human consumption.

According to some schools of thought, this may also include the so-called “precious” metals such as Gold (Au), Platinum (Pt), and Silver (Ag).

Other heavy metals, chiefly Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Tin (Sn) and Thallium (Tl) are standardly considered toxic.

A few heavy metals can be major issues inside the home. Presently, I’ll focus on lead and mercury.

Lead

Lead is a heavy metal. Exposure to lead can cause a potentially fatal condition known as “plumbism” – from the Latin word plumbum. Even today, the symbol for lead on the periodic table is Pb.

In any event, lead can be present in older homes and people can become sickened by it via breathing or ingesting the paint or paint dust. Additionally, some antique toys and items of jewelry may also be made from the stuff. And, indeed, the metal can also work its way into the drinking water supply from the soil.

A couple of different strategies will be necessary. In the first place, ensure that mom’s or grandpa’s house is not painted with lead-based paint. Whereas normal-functioning grandad, when his mind was good, may have known to be careful of the paint, impaired grandad may have forgotten the dangers – or may have forgotten what being “careful” involves.

One tactic would be to remove and replace the hazardous paint. This should probably be done in any case. You may need to call in a skilled painter, competent handy man or other contractor to remedy the situation if you go this route. It may be possible to user a sealer on the lead paint to prevent it from flaking. But I am by no means an expert on this subject.

Smaller items, like batteries, fishing equipment, toys and jewelry, may usually be hidden or locked up fairly easily.

Sources of Lead Exposure

Batteries
Dust
Fishing Lures
Jewelry
Paint
Toys
Water

Mercury/Quicksilver

Mercury is one of the compounds that has had controversy swirling around it in recent years. It is found in numerous forms. And most of them are considered at least possibly toxic in high enough concentrations.

What constitutes a “safe” form or level is much debated. I cannot resolve any of this, presently. Suffice it for me to point out that this metal often builds up in the bodies of certain fish, like shark and tuna – and so can end up on the dinner table.

Somewhat relatedly, it was widely used in the past in dental fillings. It is also sometimes used in vaccines as a preservative. Additionally, numerous types of light bulb utilize mercury (or mercury “vapor”). Finally, it is the silvery stuff found in many thermometers.

Even if you’re not “anti-mercury,” you should be aware of its possible presence throughout the home. If dad or grandma breaks a mercury-containing Compact-Fluorescent-Light (CFL) bulb, for example, you might want to know that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has procedures for its cleanup – as a dementia-afflicted person is unlikely to know about, or follow, these guidelines.[2]

Sources of Mercury Exposure

Dental Fillings
Fish (like Mackerel, Shark, Swordfish and Tuna) (See the MIND Diet.)
Light Bulbs (e.g., Compact-Fluorescent Lights – CFLs)
Pesticides
Thermometers
Vaccines[3]

Poisons

When you start looking for dangers around your home, you notice that they lie everywhere. One category of household hazard is chemical. Potential poisons abound. And when you consider that an Alzheimer’s sufferer may not be able to exercise prudence the way that you or I might, then you discover that some seemingly innocuous substances can pose risks as well.

Chemicals

Common household cleaning (and other) chemicals can present numerous dangers.

Categories of risk include the following:

Absorption (impacts the skin) — Numerous poisons wok through contact with the skin. Dangers include plant-based compounds (such as those released by Clematis, Hogweed, Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac, the so-called Poodle-Dog Bush, and Stinging Nettle), as well as industrial chemicals (particularly Herbicides and Pesticides).

Burns (impacts the eyes, respiratory system, and skin) — Chemicals causing burns are said to be caustic. These can include cleansers like Ammonia and Bleach, as well as Lye (Sodium Hydroxide), which is often used in draining-clearing and soap-making enterprises. However, “burns” can also mean pulmonary irritations, for which see Respiration/Inhalation.

Ingestion (impacts digestive system) — Alzheimer’s sufferers are impaired to a degree that makes it impinges on their abilities to care for themselves. Similarly to children, a person with diminished cognitive powers might mistakenly eat a poisonous substance directly. Or, perhaps more commonly, a dementia-afflicted adult could handle a dangerous compound and neglect to wash up properly afterward. This could then introduce poisons into food, causing them to be ingested indirectly.

Respiration/Inhalation (impacts respiratory system) — Many cleansers (like Ammonia and Bleach) release harmful vapors. These kinds of poisons can burn lung tissues and nasal passages and cause potentially fatal respiratory distress. (See Gases.)

Cleaning Agents

When it comes to household cleaners, dangers abound. Some may cause skin burns and irritation. Others can precipitate respiratory distress. Many are caustic and can result in damage to the eyes including, in extreme cases, blindness. It is therefore vital to keep these dangerous substances under lock and key.

Examples of Possibly Hazardous Household Substances

Air Fresheners
Ammonia-Based Cleaners
Antibacterial Hand Sanitizers
Bathroom and Toilet Cleaners
Bleach-Based Cleaners
Drain-Clearing Products
Dryer Sheets
Fabric Softeners
Glass Cleaners
Laundry Detergents
Oven Cleaners

Herbicides (Broad Spectrum, Contact, Residual & Selective)

These can be harmful or fatal if accidentally swallowed. And, in fact, some can cause allergic or other reactions if they are not properly handled.

Pesticides

Bactericides – Many of these, the broad-spectrum antibacterial Triclosan, are possibly toxic. And they are routinely found in cosmetic and household products such as deodorants and soaps.
Fungicides
Insecticides
Larvicides
Rodenticides

Botanical Hazards

Poisonous plants can show up in gardens and inside homes as ornamentals. Many of the plants – like daffodils, hydrangeas, irises, lilies, etc. – are beautiful. Some (such as holly and mistletoe) can be part of seasonal decorations.

Others can actually end up in your kitchen. For instance, the so-called “Nightshade” family of plants includes Eggplant, Potato, peppers, Tobacco, and Tomato. But it also includes highly toxic plants such as Deadly Nightshade, Devil’s Trumpet, Jimsonweed, and Mandrake (Common).

A few plants, such as Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) and “Mock” Strawberry (Duchesnea indica)[4] have been considered in folk medicine to be toxic to one degree or other but have been more or less “cleared” by recent scientific investigations.

Readers should be aware that not all of the plants on this list are of equal danger or toxicity. While some plants (such as the Castor Bean plant, Ricinus communis; Deadly Nightshade, Atropa belladonna; and the Death Cap mushroom, Amanita phalloides) are so highly toxic that they are usually fatal for anyone ingesting them, other plants (e.g., various flowers like daffodils, lilies, etc.) may have more or less pronounced effects depending on persons who is in contact with them.

Many times, the risk for children is greater than for adults. This is both because their bodies are generally less massive than their fully-grown counterparts, but also because their discriminatory and reasoning faculties are not always well developed.

Cognitively impaired individuals also face greater perils – and for similar reasons. Elderly persons might be (but are not always) more frail than younger adults. They may be at greater risk for negative effects because of overall ill health. Additionally, their abilities to conduct themselves safely around poisonous plants are at best highly questionable and at worst utterly compromised by their mental disabilities.

It is therefore incumbent upon caretakers to be familiar with all plants in and around the home (or other, care environment). For this reason, my list is somewhat involved.

However, I cannot say that it is anywhere near comprehensive. May plants have literally hundreds of varieties (or subspecies).

It is up to caretakers to do more in-depth investigation if the need arises. There are numerous, botanically and phytologically oriented printed research materials and websites.

This is certainly not the final word on dangerous plants. The best that I can hope to do is to name enough plants that readers will be able to gauge the level of botanical safety around their homes.

For that limited purpose, I hope that this resource assists you and your family.

See my list of poisonous mushrooms and plants, HERE.

Tripping Hazards

Elderly people often have mobility issues whether or not they are functioning normally, cognitively. When mental dysfunction is added in, many otherwise innocuous areas of the house may become danger zones. Some of these dangers include the following.

Chairs and Tables

These items can become dangers if they are falling apart or have loose legs. Keep an eye on your loved one’s furniture. Replace or service items as needed. Handymen can be assets for the latter. Additionally, keep an eye out especially if mom or grandad tends to climb on top of furniture to reach things that are stored high up. Be sure to keep needed items within easy reach.

Clutter

“Clutter” is a general term for any collection of things that has been left in a messy state, as opposed to being stored in an organized way. Alzheimer’s sufferers already have disordered mental processes. Having heaps of things lying everywhere can exacerbate their agitation and confusion – and present other dangers (like fire risk). Pick an area of the house and work on that until it is clear. Then move on to other areas.

The “collection” could be comprised of all sorts of things. But some common examples include:

Clothes.

Many people end up with heaps of unworn clothing. This could be due to recent body-shape or weight changes. Or it could be due to years’ worth of shopping. Organize your loved one’s closets and drawers and donate clothing that no longer fits.

In fact, ill-fitting clothing can also be a tripping hazard itself. For instance, pant legs that hang down too low can cause the feet to catch and, ultimately, can cause their wearers to stumble or fall.

Papers.

These could be tax documents that you’re unsure how long to keep or office/schoolwork that ends up lying around. Shred sensitive documents. File what is absolutely necessary. But try to keep messes at a minimum.

Odds and ends.

I grant that this is a catch-all. But, as is sometimes the case with clothing, many of these items come from shopping in a “recreational” way – i.e., shopping just as a pastime, as opposed to shopping for something that you really need. Other things build up because people attach sentimental value to them and have trouble throwing them away. Try to determine what is really worth keeping. Store those items carefully out of the way and get rid of the remainder.

Mail.

This can be a big one. Some of it is important. And more of it arrives almost daily. Don’t let your loved one keep (or hide) “junk” mail. His or her cognitive impairment will impinge on the ability to discern what is worth keeping. So, help them out. You’ll probably find that it’s easier to sort someone else’s mail than it is to sort your own.

Storage problems.

Another factor is not knowing how or where to keep certain things. There are a plethora of storage bins and other “organizer-type” items that can help you to arrange your – or your loved one’s – things. Just start somewhere.

Solutions.

Maybe you need to invest in some home organizers. You need a strategy for dealing with things like mail. This can help you to immediately categorize certain pieces as “important” (like bills) and other pieces as obviously rubbish (like junk mailers for products and services that are of no interest). The hardest part is figuring out what to do with things that fall into the gray area in between.

Extension Cords

Although it is tempting to use extension cords as workarounds for want of conveniently located outlets, the result can be an increase in the risk of trips and falls. Extension cords need to be correctly chosen for the amperage they have to accommodate and, more to the point for this subsection, they have to be run in out-of-the-way places. They must be kept away from paths, stairs, thresholds and walkways.

Lighting

This can be a problem in two separate but fairly equal senses.

Firstly, and most commonly, lights can be inadequate because they are either nonexistent or too dim to serve the purpose of illuminating traffic areas. These can be remedied by adding fixtures – whether permanently or temporarily, in the form of lamps or other movable light sources. Just be sure that cords to not stretch across paths and that bulbs are properly matched.

Although it may be less common, secondly, it is possible for lights to be too bright. In my family’s experience, this wasn’t as much inside the home as it was outside. (But, in principle, it could manifest either place.) For us, my dad once fell after exiting a vehicle because the motion-activated floor lamp shone directly into his face, disoriented him.

Just ensure that lighting is properly and sensibly directed and that fixtures are located and positioned optimally. Sometimes, you can actually replace a light bulb with a smaller wattage bulb, if the brightness of the original is too much. Just be sure not to exceed wattage maximums – as specified on the appliance.

Pets

This one is such a tangled issue, it probably deserves its own article. But for the time being let me simply say this: When it comes to Alzheimer’s, pets are just difficult to have round. Besides the required care – which can easily be neglected by the patient or too much to handle for the caretaker – they can also be tripping hazards.

It is plausible to think that the animals don’t know that their human companions are cognitively challenged and may not get out of the way when necessary. If the pet has been in the home a long time, then it might also be experiencing age-related impairments.

I’m not telling you to get rid of Fluffy. But if your primary responsibility is to make sure that grandma is safe, then you had better keep Fluffy properly corralled to minimize the danger of tripping.

Nighttime might have particular challenges, especially if your loved one is used to sleeping next to the animal. Use your judgment. But be aware that nighttime can be a prime time for tripping because (a.) it’s dark, and (b.) people are often bleary eyed and less alert than they are during the day.

Rugs

“Rugs” – and, here, I am including area rugs, carpet squares, floor mats, throw rugs, and so on – can be dangerous for elderly people in general, and dementia sufferers in specific. The real issue is that, many times, fabric laid on top of hard flooring material comes loose is otherwise poorly secured. Rugs can slip. They can slide. Their edges can curl upwards. In fact, even a rug or carpet that lays relatively flatly can still cause a person to trip if the person catches a foot on it while walking past. This can happen merely because the carpet or rug is slightly higher off the ground than the underlying floor material. It is a major cause of household injury.[5]

This said, there can be valid applications for rugs and nonskid mats. For example, it’s probably a good idea to have a well secured, nonslip mat to step onto after exiting the bath or shower so that you don’t slide on the bathroom floor. However, mats elsewhere in the house can be major tripping hazards. Even in the bathroom you could opt to install nonslip floor tiles so that a mat is unnecessary.

Be sure to examine rugs and carpets and, at the very least, watch for upturned edges that invite falls. Wherever feasible, simply remove rugs.

Stairs and Steps

Elderly people – especially if they are cognitively impaired – can experience diminishment of mobility and perception and this can make it difficult to get around. Walking along a straight, flat surface can be challenging enough. But going up and down various levels can be especially dangerous.

One problem can be the steepness. A person with reduced ranges of motion may have trouble picking his or her feet up high enough to traverse the steps correctly.

Another thing to be wary of is floor material. It can make a difference whether the stairs are hard wood or carpeted – and whether the carpet is thin or thick and “plushy.”

Additionally, you’ll want to inspect staircases occasionally to ensure that nothing is loose and that any carpet strips have not come untacked or unglued. Hard wood may be advisable – so long as you attach nonskid pads or strips to the surface and keep it free from water or anything slippery. You’ll also want to have well-secured grab bars or rails on both sides of the stairs. (See also Recommended Products.)

Toilet Placement

Along with old age often comes decreases in flexibility and mobility. Elderly people may have difficulty getting on and off the toilet – particularly if the seat is too low to the ground or if it’s too high up.

Ensure that the toilet is serviceable for the people in the house. As has been the case for some other items on this list, the involvement of a handyman may become necessary. It’s probably better to spend a couple hundred on a replacement toilet than allow your loved one to risk falling in the bathroom.

Rodents

Mice

Common varieties of mice include:

Deer (Peromyscus maniculatus)
House (Mus musculus)
Western Harvest (Reithrodontomys megalotis)
White-Footed (Peromyscus leucopus)

Mice can carry several disease, including:

Hantavirus (Orthohantavirus)
LCM (Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Mammarenavirus)
Salmonella (Salmonella enterica)

Rats

The most common rat species are:

Black (Rattus rattus)
Brown/Norway (Rattus norvegicus)

Voles

The are a numerous species of vole. Here are some of the most common.

Bank (Myodes glareolus)
California (Microtus californicus)
Common (Microtus arvalis)
European Snow (Chionomys nivalis)
European Water (Arvicola amphibius)
Field (Microtus agrestis)
Gray Red-Backed (Myodes rufocanus)
Gray-Tailed (Microtus canicaudus)
Long-Tailed (Microtus longicaudus)
Meadow (Microtus pennsylvanicus)
Montane (Microtus montanus)
North American Water (Microtus richardsoni)
Northern Mole (Ellobius talpinus)
Northern Red-Backed (Myodes rutilus)
Prairie (Microtus ochrogaster)
Rock (Microtus chrotorrhinus)
Sagebrush (Lemmiscus curtatus)
Southern (Microtus levis)
Southern Red-Backed (Myodes gapperi)
Tundra (Microtus oeconomus)
Woodland (Microtus pinetorum)

Trash

A severely cognitively impaired individual, left to him- or herself, will not be able to keep the home environment clean and health – at least, not reliably. Your loved one may forget to take out the trash. He or she may forget where to place or what to do with dirty clothes or dishes. Garbage can pile up. Bathrooms can become disgusting. And this can lead to infestations of bugs or rodents.

Notes:

[1] Additionally, in later stages of the disease, patients may lose their ability to swallow food and water, increasing the chances that they’ll aspirate or choke.

[2] See HERE.

[3] As mercury (Thimerosal) still found in some, but not all, seasonal-influenza preparations and some, but not all, tetanus-diphtheria concoctions.

[4] These are not to be confused with the edible Chilean Beach Strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis), Garden Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa), Virginia Strawberry (Frageria virginiana), or Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca). For berries that are recommended for the Alzheimer’s “MIND Diet,” see HERE.

[5] See Tony Rosen, Karin Mack, and Rita Noonan, “Slipping and Tripping: Fall Injuries in Adults Associated With Rugs and Carpets,” Journal of Injury and Violence Research, vol. 5, no. 1, Jan. 2013, pp. 61-69, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3591732/>.