Fire risks and safety strategies in the homes of people with dementia
Authors: Heward, M. and Kelly, F.
Conference: 25th Alzheimer Europe Conference
Dates: 2 September-4 October 2015
Abstract:Impairment, disability and dementia are substantial factors in increasing the risk of injury or death from fire in the home. Given the predicted rise in the numbers of people affected by dementia internationally, it can be assumed that the risk of fires in the homes of people with dementia will also increase unless dementia-specific fire prevention guidance is developed. The aim of the Fire Safety Innovations for People Affected by Dementia project is threefold: 1) to develop guidance that can be used internationally to help people affected by memory problems or dementia to be safer in their homes, 2) enhance the quality of life of people affected by dementia by enabling people to live independently in their own homes for longer, 3) to create a training package that will ensure Fire and Rescue staff and volunteers, and other practitioners who visit people in their own homes, are better equipped to work with people affected by dementia to ensure they are as safe as possible from fire risk. This paper reports on the findings of focus groups that explored fire risks and safety strategies in the homes of people affected by memory problems and dementia. Focus groups were conducted with people with dementia and carers, Fire and Rescue Service staff and volunteers, and other practitioners who visit people in their own homes. This project is the first in the UK to develop a critical understanding of fire risk and prevention strategies in the homes of people with dementia and to create a much needed approach to reducing fire incidents, injuries and deaths.
Source: Manual