I'm a caregiver for my mom, who has Alzheimer's, and a lot of the questions you're asking are things we've had to navigate. From my experience, simple things can make a huge difference.
We put in grab bars in the bathroom, added some brighter lighting, and cleared out clutter to make sure she is safe.
As for reaching out for help, that's a tough one. It's a journey of learning to accept that you can't do everything yourself anymore. We started with small things, like having a neighbour pick up groceries, and then gradually added more support. For example, we got her a JubileeTV box, which is a simple device that helps her connect to her family and friends. I can send her video messages and photos she can see on her TV, without having to use complicated commands. She can talk to me and my sister with a click of a button. Also, I can check in on her every time I want through the app on my phone. It helped her stay connected and feel more independent, even as her condition progresses.
What I've learned is that it is better to be proactive than wait for things to happen. The right technology and gadgets aren't a replacement for care, but can prolong the time before someone loses independence. And every day counts.
@bridgeback2 The jubileeTV box sounds very interesting! Do you have a website for it?