banzel connections

Creating a Safe Home Environment
By Steven Wolf, MD and Patty McGoldrick, NP

Home is usually considered a place of comfort and safety. But it could also present danger or difficulty to your child with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). Luckily, there are things you can do to make your home life safer and easier.

Secure dangerous items

When you think of things that might cause a person injury at home, be sure to consider things like knives or tools like hammers or saws. These should be kept out of reach of someone with LGS. Using or even handling one while a person is having a seizure could result in serious injury.

But since people diagnosed with LGS may have varying levels of cognitive impairment,¹ other things in your home may also be potentially harmful for your child. For instance, medications including those that your child with LGS is taking, or other family members’ medications, should be kept out of reach, locked in a safe place.

Minimizing mobility issues

Staircases

If your child has balance issues or difficulty walking, handrails on all staircases might offer the stability your child needs when climbing or descending. For more protection, place a gate at the top or bottom of the stairs. These may prevent access and limit the likelihood of a fall.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms, too, present possibilities for trips, falls, and injuries, but there are things you can do to make them safer.

Replace shower doors with a shower curtain. A curtain makes it easier to get in and out of the shower and easier to help your child if he or she falls.² Install tub rails and grab bars.²

In addition, place a shower chair in the tub, especially if your child falls during seizures. Install a handheld nozzle to make it easier for your seated child to wash.²

Access to your house

To prevent trips on stairs coming into the house, install ramps.

Bedrooms

Beds should be low. This will make it easier for your loved one to get in and out. If your loved one has frequent seizures or is prone to seizures at night, be sure the floor around the bed is padded.³

Exceptional Parent Magazine is a good source of information about equipment to make your home safer and easier. The American Epilepsy Society Web site, the Epilepsy Foundation and The Human Epilepsy Project also have useful information.

Other helpful tips to maintain a safe home:

• Stoves should have locks so that burners are not inadvertently turned on
• Pots and pans on the stove should be placed with their handles turned inward
• Hot water should have an upper temperature limit to avoid scalding
• Windows should have safety bars or screens
• To minimize the risk of head injuries from drop seizures, your child should wear a helmet
• Everyone involved with your child should be knowledgeable about seizure first aid
• Seizure alarms and monitors are available and should be used. These include watches and motion detectors. Baby monitors can also be used
• Nightlights or motion activated lights are helpful to avoid disorientation in the dark