Dementia-Friendly HomeWhen an elderly loved one is diagnosed with dementia, it can be overwhelming for both the patient and their family. As a caregiver, you want to do everything you can to ensure your loved one’s safety and comfort, but it can be difficult to know where to begin. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, six out of ten people living with dementia will wander, and many will become lost. 

Creating a dementia-friendly living space is one of the most important steps you can take to help your loved one navigate the complexities of living with this condition. From simple modifications to more complex renovations, there are a variety of ways to make your home more accommodating to their changing needs.

Designing a Dementia-Friendly Living Space: Tips for Caregivers

Simplify the Environment

Creating a dementia-friendly living space can help persons with cognitive impairment feel more comfortable and in control of their surroundings. Here’s how you can make their surroundings more manageable:

  • Remove unnecessary items: Go through each room of the house and remove any items that are not necessary or that your loved one no longer uses. Get rid of old magazines, unused appliances, or extra furniture that takes up space. 
  • Clear away clutter: Clutter can make it difficult for seniors with cognitive decline to focus and remember important information. Get rid of the clutter by organizing papers, books, and other items into neat piles or containers. Keep surfaces clear and uncluttered to reduce visual distraction and confusion.
  • Limit the number of choices: Try to limit the number of choices available by selecting a few favorite items and placing them in a visible, easily accessible location. For instance, consider keeping a limited number of clothing items in the closet or keep only a few favorite snacks in the pantry.
  • Use visual cues: Using visual cues can help those with age-related memory loss remember important information. We recommend labeling the drawers and cabinets with pictures or words to make it easier for your loved one to find what they need. Using color-coded cues or signs can also help them navigate their environment more easily.

Enhance Lighting

As dementia progresses, seniors with this condition may experience a decline in visual perception, which can lead to difficulty in spatial awareness, depth perception, and distinguishing colors and contrasts. Here are some ways to enhance lighting:

  • Add night lights: Night lights can be helpful in preventing falls by providing a low level of light that helps your loved one see their surroundings at night. Consider placing night lights in hallways, bathrooms, and other areas where your loved one might walk at night.
  • Increase brightness in key areas: Increasing the brightness of light in main areas like the kitchen, living room, and bathroom can help them see more clearly. Consider installing brighter light bulbs or adding additional lighting fixtures in these areas.
  • Improve contrast: Improving contrast between objects can make it easier for patients with cognitive decline to see and navigate their surroundings. For instance, using contrasting colors for the floor and walls can make it easier to distinguish between them, and using brightly colored tape on stairs can make them more visible.
  • Avoid glare: Glare from shiny surfaces or bright light sources can be disorienting and increase the risk of falls. To avoid glare, consider using matte finishes on floors and walls and using shades or curtains to diffuse bright sunlight.

Remove Potential Hazards

Identifying and removing potential hazards in the home is crucial to keep your elderly loved one safe and prevent accidents. Here are some steps you can take:  

  • Conduct a safety assessment: Start by doing a thorough safety assessment of your loved one’s living space. Once you have identified all potential hazards, remove them from the living area, i.e., get rid of the loose rugs or carpets, secure electrical cords to the wall, and remove any sharp objects from the vicinity. 
  • Install grab bars and non-slip mats: Consider installing sturdy grab bars near the toilet and in the shower or bathtub. Place non-slip mats in the bathroom and other areas where your loved one might walk.
  • Seek professional help: If you are unsure about how to identify potential hazards or make the necessary changes, seek professional help. Occupational therapists or aging-in-place specialists can provide guidance and recommendations to ensure your loved one’s safety.

Create a Comfortable and Familiar Space

As dementia progresses, your elderly loved one may get anxious in unfamiliar surroundings. You can follow these tips to create a dementia-friendly living space:

  • Display memorable photographs: Displaying pictures of family members, friends, and familiar places can help those with progressive cognitive decline remember and connect with their past. You can create a family photo album or display pictures on a bulletin board or wall.
  • Use familiar objects: Incorporating personal items that hold emotional significance to your loved one, such as their favorite books, blankets, or other treasured possessions, can help create a sense of continuity in their living space. 
  • Create a consistent routine: Maintaining a regular daily routine can be beneficial for individuals living with dementia, as it can create a sense of familiarity and structure in their day-to-day life. Consistency in meal times, activities, and routines can help them feel more secure and less restless. 

Choose Home to Stay Senior Care Solutions for Compassionate Caregiving

Are you caring for a loved one living with dementia? Do you worry about their safety and well-being while you’re away? Home to Stay Senior Care Solutions is here to help. Our experienced caregivers provide personalized non-medical care that enables seniors and people with disabilities to stay in the comfort of their own homes.

With Home to Stay (H2S), you can have peace of mind knowing that your loved one is receiving quality care and companionship 24/7, while also staying safe in their familiar surroundings. We offer a variety of services such as meal preparation, personal care, running errands, light housekeeping, and transportation. Let us be your partner in caring for your family member living with dementia.

Contact us today or call us at 856-321-1500 to schedule a free in-home assessment and discover how we can make a difference in their life.