How to Prepare a Dementia-Friendly Home?

your beloved in remaining independent, become more at ease, and be less confused. Below are ways that you can prepare your home to be more suitable for a person with dementia.

Streamline the Floor Plan

A complex layout can be confusing and disorienting for someone with dementia. Try to keep the home layout as simple and open as possible. Avoid clutter, which can make spaces feel more crowded or overwhelming. Remove any obstacles that might cause a fall, such as rugs or electrical cords.

Store frequently used items in accessible locations. For instance, place frequently used kitchen items at waist level and in clear, easy-to-open packages. This can make your loved one feel more comfortable about moving around their own home.

Use Clear Labels and Signs

Labeling items can help your loved one with dementia identify and locate things more easily. Use large, clear labels on drawers, cabinets, and rooms to guide them. For example, label the bathroom door with a simple sign that says “bathroom,” and use labels on drawers to identify items like towels, utensils, and dishes.

In the bathroom, add safety signs pointing out key features, such as a grab bar for support or a non-slip mat.

Ensure the Home is Well-Lit

Dementia may impair a person's vision, particularly in low light. Inadequate lighting can also lead to confusion or falls. Well-lit, bright rooms are essential for safety and comfort.

Install motion-sensitive lights along stairways, bathrooms, and hallways to make it easier for your loved one to get around the house, particularly in the evening. Have all rooms and stairways well lit and free of shadows.

Make a Calm and Quiet Area

Individuals with dementia tend to become confused or agitated in crowded, noisy settings. It's necessary to develop a quiet, peaceful area in the home where they can unwind. This might be a comfort chair or a comfortable corner with peaceful music or dim lighting. Minimize distractions, such as blaring radios or TVs, in public areas.

Think about incorporating calming colors at home. Pale blues, greens, and pastels can be soothing, whereas bright, bold colors tend to be stimulating.

Think about the Bathroom Safety

One of the most difficult places for a person with dementia is the bathroom. It needs to be made safe and usable. Begin by adding grab bars alongside the toilet and in the shower to keep from falling. A shower bench or chair can be used if necessary, and the temperature of the water should be at a comfortable range to avoid burn injuries.

Leave the bathroom uncluttered and simple to maneuver. Non-slip mats, and obvious labelling of toiletries, can assist in making the environment more accessible and safer to use.

Personalize the Space

Personalization is necessary for a person with dementia since it makes them feel at home and engaged with their history. Employ family photographs, special mementos, and familiar objects to make the environment comfortable and soothing. You could also include their favorite colors, textures, or things related to past activities to make the space warm and comforting.

If you're not sure what to change in the home, you can ask for assistance from dementia care services to advise you. Their experts can provide guidance specific to your loved one's needs.

Utilize a Nurse Service at Home for Additional Support

If you are looking after a person with dementia, it might be useful to have some additional assistance brought in. Having a nurse at home can offer medical attention, daily living assistance, and a break when you need one. A nurse is also able to watch over your loved one's health and assist with managing medication so they remain safe and healthy.

A home nurse care can also assist in keeping your loved one active and engaged, with activities that stimulate their memory and promote independence.

Create a Routine

A regular daily routine can assist with decreasing confusion and anxiety in a person with dementia. Attempt to have meals, activities, and bedtime at the same time each day. A predictable routine offers a sense of structure and stability, which is reassuring to a person struggling with memory loss.

Allow for relaxation time, eating time, and time for mentally stimulating activities, such as listening to music, going through picture albums, or simple exercises.

Design Safe Outdoor Spaces

If your loved one likes spending time outdoors, ensure the garden or yard is secure. Clear the paths and eliminate any obstructions such as uneven pavement or garden tools. It is also advisable to have fencing or gates in place to prevent them from straying or becoming lost.

You can also provide a more welcoming outdoor space by adding seating that is comfortable and making it accessible.

Final Words

Making a home dementia-friendly is more than making physical changes; it's also about making the home feel safe, comfortable, and easy to get around. By streamlining the environment, introducing clear signage, improving lighting, and providing personalized touches, you can make your loved one feel safer and more independent. For additional support, look into nurse at home or dementia care services to offer professional care to meet their needs.

By breaking these changes down into small steps, you can enhance the quality of life of your loved one and simplify their daily routine.