Adapting a home for a person living with dementia can feel like a significant task, but many effective changes are simple and practical. Creating a familiar and secure setting helps to preserve an individual’s independence and wellbeing. Thoughtful adjustments to the home can reduce confusion and increase safety, making daily life easier for the person with dementia and their family.
Enhancing Safety and Reducing Risks
One of the first steps is to review each room for potential hazards. Dementia can affect balance, depth perception, and judgment, which increases the risk of accidents. Good, even lighting is important throughout the home, especially on stairs and in bathrooms, as it can help avoid confusion and lower the risk of falls. Maximising natural light during the day is also beneficial; you can do this by keeping curtains open and ensuring windows are not blocked. At night, a dark bedroom can promote better sleep.
Removing trip hazards is another simple but effective measure. It is a good idea to remove or tape down loose rugs and clear away any cables or wires running across the floor. Keeping floors and surfaces clear and uncluttered can reduce confusion and help prevent trips. In the bathroom, installing grab bars, non-slip mats, and a shower chair can provide extra stability.
Improving Navigation and Orientation
A clear and easy-to-navigate home can make a person with dementia feel more confident. Since dementia can affect how well someone distinguishes between colours, using contrast can be very helpful. For example, a brightly coloured toilet seat stands out against a white bowl, and colourful tableware can be easier to see against a plain tablecloth. You can also use contrasting colours for light switches, door handles, and handrails to make them more visible.
Simple labels on doors and cupboards can act as reminders. Using clear text or even pictures on doors for the bathroom or kitchen can help a person find their way around. It is also useful to keep frequently used items, like a toothbrush or remote control, in a consistent and visible place. Leaving internal doors open to commonly used rooms can also aid navigation.
Creating a Calming and Engaging Atmosphere
The sensory environment of a home can have a big impact. Reducing background noise by turning off the television or radio when not in use can create a more peaceful setting. Soft furnishings like carpets, curtains, and cushions help absorb sound, which is useful if a person wears a hearing aid that amplifies noise. Some colours are also thought to have a calming effect; blue, for instance, is often suggested for bedrooms and living areas.
Familiarity brings comfort. Keeping well-loved objects and photographs around the house can help a person feel more secure. You can also plan activities that the person enjoys, such as gardening, painting, or listening to music. These activities can help them focus on abilities they still have and can make the home a more engaging place to be.
A Practical Scenario at Home
Consider a situation where a person with dementia often becomes restless in the late afternoon. This change in behaviour can sometimes be related to the changing light and increased shadows, which may cause confusion. A family notices this pattern and decides to make some environmental adjustments.
Before dusk, they begin turning on lights throughout the house to create a bright and even level of illumination, reducing shadows. They also close the curtains to prevent reflections on the windows, which can be unsettling. At the same time, they play some of the person’s favourite calming music and prepare a simple, enjoyable task, like folding laundry. This predictable routine helps to create a soothing transition into the evening, reducing agitation and providing a sense of purpose.
Adapting as Needs Change
Dementia is a progressive condition, so the support a person needs will change over time. The home environment may need regular adjustments to meet these evolving needs. It is helpful to approach these modifications gradually and, where possible, involve the person with dementia in the decisions. The goal is to make changes that support their independence while ensuring their safety and comfort.
Sometimes, professional guidance can be very useful. An occupational therapist can assess a home and recommend specific adaptations to make it safer and more manageable. For families seeking ongoing assistance, dementia and Alzheimer’s home support provides specialised help to manage daily life. Making thoughtful changes to the home can significantly improve quality of life, helping a person with dementia live with dignity in a familiar environment.