Most of us assume a smoke alarm does its job: it goes off, you hear it, you get out. But for someone living with dementia, that chain can break at any link.
“An alarm only works if the person can actually hear it, see it and understand what it means. For someone living with dementia, that’s not always the case,” says Cathy Brand, CEO of Brooks Australia.
Why the risk is bigger than most families realise
Around 446,500 Australians are living with dementia today, and that number is expected to more than double to over one million by 2065, according to Dementia Australia. Fire and Rescue NSW also states that older Australians already make up half of all winter fire deaths, and cognitive changes can make it harder to recognise danger, respond to an alarm, or find the way out in time.
Small, cheap changes make the biggest difference
The good news, Brand says, is that the fixes that matter most don’t cost much:
Alarms in every bedroom and living area: not just the hallway.
Clear pathways: reduce clutter and trip hazards near heaters, stovetops and exit routes.
A fire escape plan, tailored to today: practise it together, and build it around the person’s abilities now, not five years ago.
Alerts that don’t rely on hearing: for people with hearing loss, a common companion to dementia, strobe lights and vibrating alerts under the pillow can make sure the warning actually gets through.
Have the conversation before you need it
Brand compares it to planning for falls: you don’t wait for a near miss before you act. “We want families, carers and aged care providers to feel empowered to have this conversation early, rather than waiting for a near miss to prompt change,” she says.
As more Australians live with dementia, more families will be facing these same questions about home safety. If you’re already looking into support, our guide to in-home dementia care solutions is a good next stop.