Safety and emergency situations

People who require care may find themselves in situations that call for quick action. These include emergencies, as well as situations in which people lose their bearings, fall, or get lost. It is therefore important for caregivers and family members to know how to respond in an emergency or how to prevent one from occurring.

Hazards at home

As conditions such as dementia progress, responsiveness and judgment decline. This increases the risk of falls or fire, making safety precautions necessary.  Nevertheless, you should help people at risk of falling maintain their independence as much as possible.

Here's how to create a safe environment:

  • Floors should not be too slippery, and glass doors should be clearly visible.
  • Remove rugs as soon as you notice they pose a tripping hazard.
  • Make sure you have good lighting.
  • Small electrical appliances, such as a blender or hair dryer, should not be within reach.
  • Store cleaning supplies and medications  in a safe place.
  • Do not leave lighters or matches lying around in the open.
  • People with more serious conditions, such as advanced dementia, should not smoke alone or be left unattended near an open flame.
  • Keep keys in a safe place; however, the person in question should still have a key.

On the following page, you'll learn what else you can do to help prevent your loved ones from falling:

Preventing Falls

Disorientation and running away

From time to time, people who require care or assistance may wander off. This can be caused by sudden confusion, mental illness, intellectual disabilities, or even a brain injury. People with dementia, in particular, sometimes leave their homes unexpectedly. This is often driven by a desire to go to a familiar place or to complete an unfinished task, but sometimes it’s simply a need to move around.

Here's how you can prevent your child from running away:

  • Make sure they get regular exercise, meaningful activities, and a familiar environment.
  • Mementos, photos, and familiar daily routines can provide a sense of security.
  • If necessary, let your neighbors know about the situation as well.
  • Do those affected carry their name, address, and contact information with them? If so, it will be easier to help them in an emergency.
  • Tracking systems can also be helpful when there is an increased risk of getting lost.

For more information, please see the following brochure on page 19:

Providing home care - Caritas

What can I do if someone goes missing?

If a person with dementia goes missing, start by searching the immediate area. Consider whether the person’s past habits or recently expressed wishes might provide clues as to their whereabouts. If the person cannot be found quickly, contact the police. If the person has dementia, be sure to mention this.

If someone goes missing, you can find important information at the following links:

Emergency calls and emergency contacts

In the case of an emergency, dial one of the following phone numbers: 

  • in all emergencies: Euro Emergency Number: 112
  • in the event of a medical emergency - Emergency Services: 144
  • in the event of a fire - Fire Department: 122
  • in the event of a missing person - Police: 133
  • in case of poisoning - Poison Control Center: 01 406 43 43 

Last update: September 7, 2026