10 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME DEMENTIA FRIEDNLY

In order to ensure people living with dementia can maintain a sense of independence and remain living in the comfort of their own home we have created a list of things we feel can help to keep individuals safe, active and able to enjoy daily routines.

Listed below are 10 simple and easy ideas to make your home more dementia friendly. 

1. Ensure your flooring is safe.

It is important to remove any trip hazards on the floor as individuals with dementia can easily become disorientated and may have other conditions that affect mobility and balance. It is also important to make sure individuals can see the flooring clearly. Plain matt flooring is recommended as flooring that’s shiny or that’s a similar colour to the walls, as it may cause confusion therefore best. It is also advised that you get rid of any rugs or mats, and watch out for other trip hazards like cables.

2. Ensure to have good lighting.

Good lighting in a property can help individuals with dementia to see much more clearly and make sense of their surroundings. Try to ensure natural light can enter the home by removing any objects that may be blocking natural light form entering through the window. It is equally important to ensure that the room is dark enough to allow for better sleep.

A healthy pattern and routine is essential for individuals with dementia as it can prevent them from feeling disorientated and confused and will ensure individuals have more energy throughout the daytime for daily activities.

3. Get furniture that you can see clearly.

Dementia may alter how well an individual can tell the difference between colours. Use bright and contrasting colours can help individuals living with dementia to see furniture better. Where possible try to avoid stripes and strong patterns as they can be confusing.

4. Make eating and drinking easier.

Eating and drinking well is important for everybody's health particularly those with dementia. Try to use cups, plates and tablecloths with colours that contrast with food. Using clear plastic containers to store your food can also be helpful as it will enable individuals to see what’s inside.

5. Remind yourself where things are.

Individuals living with with dementia can often suffer with memory problems that may cause them to forget where they have put things. Putting signs or pictures on cupboards and drawers so you know what’s inside them can be beneficial and remind individuals where they can find the things they are looking for. Having a designated place to keep things such as keys, wallets and mobile phones can can also help individuals to locate these frequently needed items easily.

6. Keep things simple in the bathroom.

Putting a picture and sign on the door of the toilet or bathroom can considerably help an individual to locate the bathroom easily. Removing the toilet seat lid can also make it easier to identify the toilet. It can also be helpful to clear away items that are not regularly used. When leaving towels and toilet rolls out try to use colours that contrast the walls.

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7. Keep clutter-free.

Clutter and untidiness around the home can easily make individuals feel confused, disorientated and distracted. It is very important to get rid of any excess clutter including cupboards and drawers. Some individuals also find it helpful to turn off the TV or radio when there not watching or listening to them, so the noise doesn't confuse or distract them.

8. Use aids and equipment to keep safe.

There are many different aids that can assist individuals living with dementia to maintain their independence. This can include modified cutlery, shower seats, grab rails, food trolleys, walking aids and many more to name a few. Installing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors can also help keep you safe and alert other where necessary. In addition to this sensors can also be helpful as they can detect things for example whether the water has been left running or the temperature is too high or low.

9. Get outside

Many studies have shown that being outdoors in the open can significantly have a positive impact on an individuals health and wellbeing. Decorating an individuals door so it stands out can help an individual to identify their door more clearly. Creating a nice garden space where indiviuals can sit and relax can also help to keep individuals safe from wandering.

10. Keep active

Despite living with dementia it is important to ensure that individual maintain an active life enjoying the things they like to do. One way individuals can make sure they keep on track with their activities is by using a large faced clock and calendar. Some individuals find a whiteboard equally as helpful for jotting down reminders.