6 top tips to keeping a safe Huntington’s home
The home can be a hazardous environment for someone with Huntington’s, but there are many ways to minimise risk and make things easier around the house. There are things you can do at little or no cost that will make a big difference to someone living with Huntington’s disease. In this article, occupational therapist Alex Fisher shares her tips on aids and adaptations that can help life in the home.
1. Maximise space
People with Huntington’s have different perceptions of space, so make sure there’s plenty of light and a clear space around them to help minimise accidents in the home. Decluttering can help maximise light and space in the home, making things easier to access and helping to reduce the risk of falls and accidents. Also, keeping pets under control and away from anyone affected by Huntington’s when they are walking reduces the risk of tripping.
2. Think hazards
Start thinking of what could be a hazard to a person with Huntington’s such as sharp corners and trip hazards. Corners of furniture can be protected using corner bumpers, which can be bought from shops like Ikea. Use cable ties to gather loose wires and make sure any rugs are stuck down securely with rug tape to minimise trips and falls.
3. Enrichment
People with Huntington’s need mental stimulation, so keep the place homely with pictures and mementoes, even when decluttering. Try to make the home exciting by including activities they enjoy, such as a crossword, puzzle or watching a movie.
4. Specialist equipment isn’t always necessary
You don’t need to spend a fortune getting specialist equipment. Things like a simple sports cup with a one-way valve will help stop spills when drinking and will limit the amount of liquid being swallowed at once, making it easier to keep hydrated.
5. Introduce changes early
Try to introduce aids and ideas early on while the person still has reasoning. If you make these changes part of a routine, it will be easier to keep them in place when they are needed in the future.
6. ICE and Fire strategies
ICE
In Case of Emergency (ICE) is an easy way for first responders such as paramedics and police to contact your next of kin. Record their name and number in your mobile phone in a contact called ICE as a way to help yourself in an emergency.
Voice controlled devices, such as Amazon Echo, can also be set up to ring someone in your mobile contacts when asked. This can be helpful for people in the earlier stages of Huntington’s as it’s controlled by speech rather than needing to use your hands, and devices can be positioned around the home for easy access.
Fire
Some fire services can provide disabled or vulnerable people with fire retardant blankets, duvet covers, smoke alarms and other fire prevention equipment. This is helpful for people with Huntington’s who like to smoke in bed. Contact your local fire service to see what they provide. You can also let them know if someone with a disability lives at the address, which may help if they attend an emergency at your home.
Find more information and advice on living with Huntington’s on our website. For support and advice please contact us on 0151 331 544 or via email at info@hda.org.uk.
The home can be a hazardous environment for someone with Huntington’s, but there are many ways to minimise risk and make things easier around the house. There are things you can do at little or no cost that will make a big difference to someone living with Huntington’s disease. In this article, occupational therapist Alex Fisher shares her tips on aids and adaptations that can help life in the home.
1. Maximise space
People with Huntington’s have different perceptions of space, so make sure there’s plenty of light and a clear space around them to help minimise accidents in the home. Decluttering can help maximise light and space in the home, making things easier to access and helping to reduce the risk of falls and accidents. Also, keeping pets under control and away from anyone affected by Huntington’s when they are walking reduces the risk of tripping.
2. Think hazards
Start thinking of what could be a hazard to a person with Huntington’s such as sharp corners and trip hazards. Corners of furniture can be protected using corner bumpers, which can be bought from shops like Ikea. Use cable ties to gather loose wires and make sure any rugs are stuck down securely with rug tape to minimise trips and falls.
3. Enrichment
People with Huntington’s need mental stimulation, so keep the place homely with pictures and mementoes, even when decluttering. Try to make the home exciting by including activities they enjoy, such as a crossword, puzzle or watching a movie.
4. Specialist equipment isn’t always necessary
You don’t need to spend a fortune getting specialist equipment. Things like a simple sports cup with a one-way valve will help stop spills when drinking and will limit the amount of liquid being swallowed at once, making it easier to keep hydrated.
5. Introduce changes early
Try to introduce aids and ideas early on while the person still has reasoning. If you make these changes part of a routine, it will be easier to keep them in place when they are needed in the future.
6. ICE and Fire strategies
ICE
In Case of Emergency (ICE) is an easy way for first responders such as paramedics and police to contact your next of kin. Record their name and number in your mobile phone in a contact called ICE as a way to help yourself in an emergency.
Voice controlled devices, such as Amazon Echo, can also be set up to ring someone in your mobile contacts when asked. This can be helpful for people in the earlier stages of Huntington’s as it’s controlled by speech rather than needing to use your hands, and devices can be positioned around the home for easy access.
Fire
Some fire services can provide disabled or vulnerable people with fire retardant blankets, duvet covers, smoke alarms and other fire prevention equipment. This is helpful for people with Huntington’s who like to smoke in bed. Contact your local fire service to see what they provide. You can also let them know if someone with a disability lives at the address, which may help if they attend an emergency at your home.
Find more information and advice on living with Huntington’s on our website. For support and advice please contact us on 0151 331 544 or via email at info@hda.org.uk.