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Creating a dementia-friendly home environment is essential for ensuring the safety, comfort, and wellbeing of individuals living with dementia.
With the right adjustments, you can reduce confusion, prevent accidents, and promote independence. In this comprehensive guide, we've compiled 9 simple steps to help you make living spaces safer and more accommodating for someone with dementia.
1. Maximise lighting
Proper lighting can minimize confusion and reduce the risk of falls. Consider the following:
Use natural light: Open curtains during the day to let in as much natural light as possible.
Bright, even lighting: Ensure stairways, hallways, and other key areas are well-lit to eliminate shadows and glare.
Motion-sensor lights: Install these in bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways to make nighttime navigation easier.
2. Declutter the space
A clutter-free environment can reduce overstimulation and help individuals navigate their surroundings more easily:
Clear pathways: Remove unnecessary furniture and objects from living areas to create clear walkways.
Organise essentials: Keep frequently used items in consistent and easily accessible locations.
3. Use contrasting colours
Colour contrast helps individuals with dementia distinguish between different objects and areas:
Highlight key features: Use contrasting colours for doors, light switches, and furniture to make them stand out.
Avoid patterns: Opt for simple, solid colors over complex designs that may cause confusion.
4. Enhance kitchen safety
The kitchen presents many potential hazards, but with careful planning, it can be made safer:
Appliance safety: Use appliances with automatic shut-off features and consider isolating gas controls.
Secure hazardous items: Store sharp objects, cleaning supplies, and other dangerous items in locked cabinets.
5. Make bathrooms safer
Bathrooms can be challenging spaces for those with dementia, but these adjustments can help:
Install grab rails: Place these near the toilet and in the shower for added support.
Contrasting toilet seats: A colored seat can make the toilet more visible.
Remove door locks: Consider removing locks to prevent individuals from accidentally locking themselves in.
6. Add clear signage
Labels and signs can support navigation and reduce confusion:
Simple labels: Mark rooms, cupboards, and drawers with words or pictures to indicate their purpose.
Position at eye level: Ensure signs are visible and easy to read.
7. Reduce noise levels
Managing background noise can help prevent sensory overload:
Minimise distractions: Avoid running multiple devices like TVs and radios simultaneously.
Use soft furnishings: Carpets, curtains, and cushions can absorb sound and create a quieter environment.
8. Maintain familiarity
A familiar environment can provide comfort and reduce anxiety:
Keep layouts consistent: Avoid making major changes to furniture arrangements or decor.
Display personal items: Use photographs, cherished items, and familiar objects to create a sense of home.
9. Secure outdoor spaces
The area outside the home should also be safe and dementia-friendly:
Install secure exits: Use locks or alarms on doors and gates to prevent wandering.
Create safe pathways: Ensure outdoor walkways are even, well-lit, and free of obstacles.
Why a dementia-friendly home matters
Adapting a home for someone living with dementia is about more than safety; it’s about promoting their independence, dignity, and quality of life. Small changes can make a big difference in reducing stress and improving daily routines for both individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
If you’d like more guidance on creating a dementia-friendly home or need support with complex dementia care, the team at Schoen Clinic York is here to help. Our experts specialise in dementia care and are dedicated to providing practical advice and compassionate support for families.