Certain adaptations must occur in the home of a Huntington's disease patient in order to keep it safe for both the HDer and the caretaker(s.)
As people with Huntington's disease progress through their illness, their personal needs change. What was once a safe home environment may now need to be adapted. Kitchen changes include removing stove knobs so they can't be accidentally turned on, cleaning clutter off of counter tops, placing items near where a patient can reach them, and supervising when the patient is cooking or washing dishes. Another idea is to remove any dangerous cleaning compounds from the patient's grasp, perhaps putting them in a safety-locked cabinet.
In the bathroom, security can be added by installing grab bars, traction stickers, rubber bath mats, and benches in the shower. Toilet seats can be raised with an elevated seat and bars can be installed around them to give the patient something to hold onto. Bars can also be placed anywhere in the bathroom to give the patient security while they move around. Adaptive toiletries can be utilized with the help of an occupational therapist.
As for the living areas, try to keep furniture to a minimum. Pieces become part of an obstacle course for a Huntington's patient, so it is necessary to have furniture that is sturdy and won't easily be knocked over. Lamps, both the table and floor variety, are easily broken, so it is good to get them out of the general path. In the hallways, grab rails can be installed, but they must be supportive wood or metal, preferably from a medical supply store. Towel racks cannot be used, and whatever is employed must be anchored to studs in the wall. As for stairways, it is best to use railings on both sides, so an HD patient and care provider can both hold on.
For issues of coming in and out of the home, locks must be used that open from the outside as well as the inside of the house (perhaps deadbolts should be avoided.) Some Huntington's disease patients are paranoid and might try to lock caretakers out. A keyless garage entry can also help with this. Alarms for notifying when a door is opened can help track an HD patient who might wander off. A very simple solution to this problem is to alert neighbors to the fact the person is a Huntington's disease patient and might be confused and not be able to find his or her way home.
Related articles:Huntington's Disease Overview, Huntington's Behavioral Issues, Huntington's and Communicating, and Huntington's and Safe Bedding.
For other neurological information, check out the Neurological ARTICLE INDEX and Blog.
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